{"id":511835,"date":"2025-10-19T11:57:16","date_gmt":"2025-10-19T11:57:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/511835\/"},"modified":"2025-10-19T11:57:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-19T11:57:16","slug":"mark-clattenburg-reveals-the-ban-hannibal-mejbri-could-face-after-leeds-united-spitting-allegation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/511835\/","title":{"rendered":"Mark Clattenburg reveals the ban Hannibal Mejbri could face after Leeds United spitting allegation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has revealed the length of ban Burnley player Hannibal Mejbri could face after an allegation of spitting during the game against Leeds United.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leeds United confirmed that they were aware of an allegation of spitting against Hannibal<\/a> during a heated game, as the Whites slipped to a 2-0 defeat. <\/p>\n

The complaint was brought by a member of the crowd who accused the Burnley man of the act. Hannibal posted on Instagram<\/a> after the game but did not refer to the incident, focusing instead on his side\u2019s win. <\/p>\n

Now, speaking exclusively to Leeds United News<\/strong>, respected former Premier League<\/a> referee Mark Clattenburg has shared details of what punishment Hannibal could face if he is found guilty in the impending Football Association investigation. <\/p>\n

\"HannibalPhoto by Alex Livesey\/Getty ImagesMark Clattenburg on Hannibal Mejbri incident vs Leeds United<\/p>\n

Speaking to Leeds United News<\/strong>, Clattenburg explained what will happen next following the allegation against the Burnley player. <\/p>\n

According to Clattenburg, if Hannibal is found to have spat at a Leeds fan, he will face a minimum suspension of three games from the Football Association. <\/p>\n

Clattenburg said: \u201cHannibal Mejbri of Burnley is under investigation by the Football Association after an alleged spitting incident after a Leeds fan reported him for spitting into the away section support at Turf Moor. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Football Association will interview players, fans and study available video before making any charges. <\/p>\n

MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES<\/p>\n

\u201cIf charged, Hannibal could receive a suspension which the Football Association will determine, and I think will be at least three matches.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"HannibalPhoto by Molly Darlington\/Getty ImagesCould Hannibal face further punishment for alleged spitting incident?<\/p>\n

Whilst Clattenburg\u2019s comments focus on the sporting sanction that Hannibal may face, there is precedent for a potential off-field sanction if the player is found to have spat at a member of the crowd. <\/p>\n

In 2002, former Leeds United<\/a> player El-Hadji Diouf was fined \u00a35,000 by the Glasgow Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to assault by provocation for spitting at a Celtic fan during a UEFA Cup match between Liverpool and the Scottish side. <\/p>\n

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Leeds United are aware of an allegation of spitting by a Burnley player believed to be Hannibal. The authorities are investigating after a complaint was made from a supporter in the Leeds United section at Turf Moor. #LUFC<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Adam Pope (@apopey) October 18, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

Speaking via an article in the Guardian<\/a> from 2003, Sheriff Craig McSherry QC justified the fine, stating: \u201cI feel it necessary for the court to show disapproval of this type of behaviour.\u201d Diouf also received a two-match ban from UEFA competitions following the incident.<\/p>\n

The Burnley player now faces an anxious wait as investigations into the allegation seek to determine whether any further sanction is required. <\/p>\n