Source:REUTERS/Scott Heppell
[Saba Sports News] Recently, the FA announced that Burnley player Hannibal Mejbri has been banned for 4 matches and fined £15,000 for spitting at fans. The FA’s official statement noted that an independent regulatory committee imposed the penalty due to Mejbri’s misconduct during the Premier League match against Leeds United on October 18. It is reported that the player violated match rules and/or acted inappropriately by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans, which is considered abusive and/or indecent behavior, occurring around the 67th minute of the match. Hannibal Mejbri subsequently admitted to the charge, and the regulatory committee decided on the 4-match ban and the £15,000 fine after a hearing. The written reasoning for the regulatory committee’s decision will be released in due course. From a competitive standpoint, the potential suspension of Hannibal Mejbri may not have as significant an impact on Burnley as one might think. The 22-year-old Tunisian international has had a lackluster season, contributing only one assist in 10 league appearances and has long ceased to be a regular starter for the team.