Burnley players refused to shake hands with Preston’s Milutin Osmajic before their FA Cup fifth-round tie on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Deepdale, as part of their collective stance against accusations of racism aimed at the Preston striker. This came just two weeks after Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri alleged Osmajic had racially abused him during their previous encounter on February 15, 2025.
During the customary pre-match handshakes, Osmajic, who is Serbian by origin, extended his hand to the Burnley players but was completely snubbed by the entire Clarets team. Initially holding his hand out, Osmajic quickly withdrew it as he realized the team’s refusal to acknowledge him and was seen smirking as he walked past them.
Prior to the match, the Burnley players made it clear they wanted to show their support for Mejbri, who was left out of the matchday squad by manager Scott Parker. Parker had decided to exclude the young midfielder to protect him from the pressure and scrutiny surrounding the allegations from the earlier Championship game.
“It is tough and one which I need to think hard and long on,” Parker said during his pre-match press conference. “Fundamentally I want to protect Hannibal, but then why should he miss out? That is a decision I will have to make. I will make the best decision for Hannibal, explaining the situation and seeing where he is comfortable.”
Although Osmajic was named in Preston’s starting lineup for the Cup tie, he had been under scrutiny due to the claims made by Mejbri, who had described the remarks as “disgusting” and vowed to stand against racism. The FA is currently conducting an investigation, and Osmajic has “strongly refuted” the accusations.
After the handshake incident, Osmajic was able to score during the first half, celebrating his goal by taunting the Burnley fans. He cupped his ears to signal his defiance, seemingly enjoying the attention from the traveling contingent of Clarets supporters.
Preston manager, Paul Heckingbottom, expressed support for Osmajic, stating, “If he wouldn’t have been up for it, he would have been left out,” affirming the striker’s readiness to play. “He was fine — he wanted to be involved. We discussed possible things.”
Parker emphasized the need for sensitivity surrounding the situation, remarking, “It has been tough and we come here weakened today because Hannibal is vitally important to the squad.” His remarks underscored the delicate balance between team spirit and individual well-being.
The atmosphere at Deepdale during the match was charged due to the backdrop of the racism allegations. Fans of both teams were aware of the previous incident, which had sparked widespread discussions about racism within football. The FA’s investigation is particularly significant, with Parker noting, “If found guilty, Osmajic faces a minimum ban of six games.”
Hannibal Mejbri’s situation has brought significant media attention, with messages of solidarity pouring in from across the football community. After the February incident, he posted on social media, saying, “I will not be silent about what happened today. I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it. That is the only way we change as a sport and society.”
The stakes are high, both for Osmajic, who has faced disciplinary scrutiny before—having been handed an eight-game ban last season for biting another player—and for the clubs, who want to combat racism and uphold their reputations.
Following the match, which saw Preston advance with a 3-0 win, both managers expressed the hope for football to lead by example. With the FA investigation still open, both clubs await the findings, which could lead to substantial repercussions.
The snub at the handshake highlighted more than just individual disputes; it symbolized the larger battle against racism in sports. With players being more vocal and taking stands against discrimination, such actions will likely be remembered as pivotal moments of solidarity and advocacy.
“The Football Association is taking this very seriously, and it is imperative for clubs and players alike to stand up against any form of abuse,” remarked Parker after the match. His sentiments echo the growing desire for change within the sport, as both players and fans strive to create more inclusive environments.