Burnley Players Refuse To Shake Preston’s Milutin Osmajic’s Hand Amid Racism Scandal Before FA Cup Clash 166c5h

Burnley players refused to shake Preston striker Milutin Osmajic’s hand ahead of their FA Cup clash after he was accused of racially abusing one of their team-mates two weeks ago.

Burnley Stars Make A Stand Against Preston Striker Milutin Osmajic 3a6qa

The two sides met in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday at Deepdale. The cup clash comes less than a fortnight after they played out a goalless draw in the Championship.

That football game was marred by accusations of racism levelled at Burnley star Hannibal Mejbri. Preston striker Osmajic was the player accused of racially abusing Mejbri, who reported it to the referee which has now led to an FA investigation.

However, with the FA investigation still ongoing, Osmajic was given the nod to play in the FA Cup. Burnley boss Scott Parker opted to leave Mejbri out of the game at Deepdale.

Burnley players refused to shake Milutin Osmajic's hand before kick-off.

The Preston player has been accused of racially abusing Hannibal Mejbri.#FACup pic.twitter.com/EsopOVjQXe

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 1, 2025

While the investigation into the accusations of racism are yet to be concluded, Burnley’s players refused to acknowledge Osmajic in the pre-match handshakes.

As the Preston striker offered his hand to the Clarets players, the whole starting XI blanked him, leaving Osmajic to smirk and laugh after being snubbed. Osmajic has “strongly refuted” claims that he racially abused Mejbri.

Osmajic Controversially Gestures To Burnley Fans In FA Cup Win Over Burnley 5o1z3m

With just a few minutes until the half-time break, Preston doubled their lead against Burnley with Osmajic scoring the goal.

The striker was slipped through on goal and squeezed the ball pas Vaclav Hladky in Burnley’s net.

As he celebrated, Osmajic cupped his ears with both hands directly at the away ers.

Fans online slammed the striker for his “classless” celebration.

Milutin Osmajic gestures towards the Burnley fans as he doubles Preston's lead.

The goalscorer has been accused of racially abusing Hannibal Mejbri who was left out of Scott Parker's squad.#FACup pic.twitter.com/Nl1QFxo9U1

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 1, 2025

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Osmajic’s goal came 15 minutes after Robbie Brady opened the scoring on the half-hour mark.

Preston then wrapped up the game when Will Keane make it 3-0 in the 73rd minute, booking their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

WATCH: Preston 3-0 Burnley – Highlights 3d5b1u

What Scott Parker Had To Say On Mejbri’s Inclusion Against Preston 1s4934

Ahead of the Lancashire derby, Burnley boss Parker itted he had a tough call in whether to include Mejbri for the game against Preston. Ultimately, he opted to leave him out of his matchday squad.

“It is tough and one which I need to think hard and long on,” Parker said in his press conference on Thursday.

“Fundamentally I want to protect Hannibal, but then why should he miss out? That is a decision I will have to make.

"The officials have took down what was reported."

Scott Parker sheds light on the incident between Hannibal Mejbri and Milutin Osmajic during the game at Deepdale. pic.twitter.com/WqaxDr6w7n

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 15, 2025

“I will make the best decision that feels right for Hannibal, explaining the situation and seeing where he is comfortable. I will have those conversations on Friday morning.”

The investigation into the incident includes interviews with both sets of players involved in the match, as well as witness s.

If Osmajic is found guilty of racially abusing Mejbri, he faces a lengthy ban. Earlier this season, the striker was banned for eight games and fined £15,000 for biting Owen Beck’s neck in a Championship game with Blackburn.