Hackett: Osmajic due Manchester hearing in PNE vs Burnley Hannibal racism row
03/18/2025 09:15 AM
Keith Hackett has detailed the next steps that will be taken following an update in the racism row between Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that a hearing in Manchester will likely be held in the future, with evidence to be prepared ahead of that.
A goalless draw at Turf Moor between the Lancashire rivals in the Championship on 15 February was overshadowed when Hannibal accused Osmajic of making a racist remark to him.
In the aftermatch, both clubs issued statements opposing any form of discrimination, with Preston also stating that their player maintained his innoncence.
Milutin Osmajic charged over Hannibal Mejbri comment
Since the accusation occurred, Osmajic has continued to play for Paul Heckingbottom‘s side while the investigation into his comment has been ongoing.
The striker even scored for Preston in their FA Cup win over Burnley on 1 March, before celebrating in front of the opposition fans.
| Milutin Osmajic for Preston in 2024/25 | Total (as per Transfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | 13 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Yellow Cards | 4 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
| Minutes Played | 1,716 |
Hannibal had not been involved in that game, while his teammates had refrained from shaking hands with the Montenegro international before the game.
On Monday (18 March) it was announced that Osmajic has been officially charged by the FA in response to his alleged comment to Hannibal.
Now, Hackett has revealed the next steps that will be taken in the wake of that news, with the Preston striker facing a hearing over the incident that ought to determine the outcome of the whole situation.
‘Preston man set for hearing over Burnley allegations’ – Keith Hackett
Speaking to Football Insider about this latest update on the investigation into what happened in that game between Preston and Burnley, the former referee said:
“Preston forward Mulutin Osmajic has been charged by the Football Association after being accused of racism towards a Burnley player who was clearly upset after a verbal exchange.
“The player has been charged under FA rule E3. It is alleged that the player acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards an opposing player.
“Evidence will have been prepared and the player will have the right to a personal hearing likely to be held at a venue in Manchester at some point in the future.”
Burnley are currently third in the Championship table, two points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
Preston meanwhile occupy 14th spot in the second-tier standings, ten points behind the top six and nine clear of the relegation zone with eight games of the regular season remaining.
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