Burnley’s starting line-up refused to shake hands with Preston North End’s Milutin Osmajic ahead of their Championship clash on Saturday. The gesture came in response to allegations that Osmajic had racially abused Manchester United loanee Hannibal Mejbri during a previous encounter between Preston and Birmingham City. The incident has reignited conversations about racism in football and the measures needed to combat it, while also highlighting the growing willingness of players to take a stand against discrimination.
The controversy stems from an alleged incident during Preston’s match against Birmingham City in October, in which Osmajic, a Montenegrin forward, was accused of directing a racial slur at Hannibal Mejbri, a Tunisian international on loan at Birmingham from Manchester United. The allegation was reported to the match officials at the time, but no formal action was taken due to a lack of conclusive evidence. However, the accusation has lingered, casting a shadow over Osmajic and prompting Burnley’s players to make a bold statement ahead of their derby match against Preston.
As the two teams lined up for the traditional pre-match handshake, Burnley’s starting XI conspicuously avoided shaking hands with Osmajic, instead walking past him with their hands behind their backs. The gesture was deliberate and unmistakable, sending a clear message that they would not tolerate racism in any form. The moment was captured by cameras and quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread debate and drawing praise from fans, pundits, and anti-racism organizations.
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany addressed the incident in his post-match press conference, expressing support for his players’ actions while emphasizing the importance of standing up against discrimination. “I’m proud of my players for taking a stand,” Kompany said. “Racism has no place in football or society, and it’s important that we all do our part to fight it. This was their way of sending a message, and I fully back them.”
Preston North End, meanwhile, released a statement defending Osmajic and condemning the allegations as unfounded. “Milutin Osmajic is a player of great character and integrity,” the statement read. “The allegations made against him are false and have been deeply damaging. We stand by our player and urge everyone to refrain from making judgments without evidence.”
The incident has divided opinion within the football community. While many have applauded Burnley’s players for their stance, others have criticized the decision to single out Osmajic without conclusive proof of wrongdoing. The lack of formal action following the initial allegation has complicated the matter, leaving room for interpretation and debate.
For Hannibal Mejbri, the Burnley players’ gesture was a show of solidarity that meant a great deal. The 20-year-old midfielder, who has been a standout performer for Birmingham this season, took to social media to express his gratitude. “Thank you to the Burnley players for standing with me,” he wrote. “We must all work together to eradicate racism from football. No one should have to endure what I experienced.”
The incident has also drawn attention from anti-racism organizations, including Kick It Out and Show Racism the Red Card, both of which have called for stronger action to address discrimination in football. “While we cannot comment on the specifics of this case, we support any player or team that takes a stand against racism,” a spokesperson for Kick It Out said. “It’s crucial that the football authorities take allegations of this nature seriously and ensure that proper investigations are conducted.”
The controversy comes at a time when football is grappling with how best to tackle racism and discrimination. Despite progress in recent years, incidents of racial abuse—both on and off the pitch—continue to plague the sport. High-profile cases, such as the racial abuse directed at players like Vinícius Júnior and Marcus Rashford, have highlighted the need for stricter penalties, better education, and greater accountability.
Burnley’s refusal to shake hands with Osmajic is a reminder that players have a powerful voice in this fight. By taking a stand, they have drawn attention to an issue that often goes unaddressed and sparked a much-needed conversation about how to create a more inclusive and respectful environment in football.
The match itself, a fiercely contested Lancashire derby, ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams battling hard for local bragging rights. However, the result was overshadowed by the pre-match handshake incident, which dominated post-match discussions and headlines.
As the football world reflects on the events of the day, the focus will now shift to how the sport can move forward. The allegations against Osmajic and Burnley’s response have highlighted the complexities of addressing racism in football, from the challenges of gathering evidence to the importance of supporting victims.
For Burnley’s players, their actions were about more than just a handshake. It was a statement of principle, a refusal to remain silent in the face of discrimination, and a call to action for the entire football community. Whether their gesture will lead to meaningful change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the fight against racism in football is far from over, and players are increasingly willing to lead the charge.
As the season progresses, the incident will serve as a reminder of the power of solidarity and the importance of standing up for what is right. For Burnley, Preston, and the wider football community, it is a moment that will not soon be forgotten—a moment that underscores the need for unity, accountability, and a shared commitment to eradicating racism from the beautiful game.
