FA reveals sanction for Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri after Leeds United incident investigation
Hannibal Mejbri had admitted a charge of misconduct stemming from Leeds United's visit to Burnley.
Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri has been sanctioned by the FA after admitting a charge of misconduct stemming from Leeds United's visit to Turf Moor.
Leeds fans spoken with police officers at full-time of the game against the Clarets amid allegations that Mejbri had spat in the direction of the visiting support.
Substitute Mejbri passed in front of the Leeds fans to give a message to his goalkeeper and then turned and appeared to spit in the direction of the away end. Videos of the incident showed Leeds fans reacting angrily to something as Mejbri turned to go past them again.
Lancashire Police confirmed 24 hours later that they were investigating the incident and the FA soon followed suit.
An FA spokesperson confirmed that Mejbri admitted the charge.
“Subsequently admitted the charge”
The Burnley player has been given a four-game ban and a £15k fine.
A spokesperson for the FA said: "An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their Premier League game against Leeds United on Saturday 18 October.
“It was alleged that the player acted in breach of the Laws of the Game and/or in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters around the 67th minute.
“Hannibal Mejbri subsequently admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match suspension and £15,000 fine following a hearing.
“The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course."