Scott Parker, the manager of Burnley FC, faces a challenging decision regarding the inclusion of midfielder Hannibal Mejbri in Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round match against Preston North End. This comes after Mejbri reported suffering "disgusting abuse" during a recent Championship game between the two clubs on February 15. The alleged incident, involving a racist comment from Preston's Milutin Osmajic, remains under investigation by the Football Association (FA).
The altercation reportedly occurred in the midst of a tense 0-0 draw, prompting immediate complaints from both Mejbri and Burnley FC to the match officials. In response, Preston North End acknowledged the complaint and stated that Osmajic has strongly refuted the allegations. Despite these claims, the FA's investigation continues to unfold.
Hannibal Mejbri took to social media to express his feelings about the incident, insisting on the necessity of addressing racism in football.
"I will not be silent about what happened today." – Hannibal Mejbri
"I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it. That is the only way we change as a sport and a society." – Hannibal Mejbri
The midfielder emphasized his resilience in dealing with such incidents, underscoring the importance of confronting racial abuse head-on.
"I am a strong person but nobody should have to experience this disgusting abuse on the pitch." – Hannibal Mejbri
With the FA Cup match looming, Scott Parker aims to protect Mejbri while also considering the team's strategic needs. Discussions between Parker and Mejbri are set for Friday morning to assess the player's comfort level and decide on his potential involvement in the upcoming fixture.
"Now is too early. Tomorrow [Friday] morning and leading into that I'll have those conversations." – Scott Parker
As the investigation progresses, all eyes remain on Parker's decision and how it might impact Burnley FC's performance against Preston North End. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in addressing racism within sports and the complexities managers face in nurturing and safeguarding their players.
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