Leeds United pantomime villain and Championship promotion rival risks lengthy ban after red card stamp
Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri will serve at least a three-match ban after being sent off during the Clarets' 0-0 draw with Stoke City.
The former Manchester United midfielder was shown a straight red card at Turf Moor on New Year's Day for a stamp on the Potters' Junior Tchamadeu.
“He’s let us down today, he’s let the team down, he’s let myself down, he’s let the staff down," head coach Scott Parker admitted post-match.
Due to the severity of the incident, the Football Association may deem further action is necessary, which could lead to Hannibal serving a lengthier ban than the initial three matches. Currently, the 21-year-old is due to miss Burnley's fixtures against Blackburn Rovers (a), Reading (a - FA Cup Third Round) and Sunderland (h).
Hannibal previously ingratiated himself to Leeds United's supporters during Burnley's visit to Elland Road earlier this season, goading Whites fans following his substitution in the Clarets' 1-0 win.
The Tunisia international was seen celebrating the scoreline with just over a quarter of an hour of the match remaining as he made his way back to the away dugout after being substituted by Parker.
Burnley trail league leaders Leeds by three points in the Championship table but boast the division's best defensive record with a mere nine goals conceded in 25 games so far this season. The two sides will meet again on January 27. Should Hannibal's ban be extended by a further two matches, he will be ineligible to feature against the Whites at Turf Moor.