Credit: Imago

This is how long Hannibal Mejbri could be suspended if guilty of Leeds United allegation

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18 Oct 2025, 2:15 pm

Hannibal Mejbri was once again the villain as Leeds United lost against Burnley on Saturday.

Leeds crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Turf Moor on 18 October, with Lesley Ogochukwu and Loum Tchaouna scoring the goals on an afternoon to forget.

Brenden Aaronson missed a golden chance for Leeds, but it was Hannibal who made most of the headlines after coming off the bench.

The former Manchester United flop has been accused of spitting at Leeds United fans, with the Whites aware and authorities investigating, Adam Pope says.

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
— Adam Pope (@apopey) October 18, 2025

Hannibal could face FA suspension after Leeds United drama

Keith Hackett has shared that the FA will investigate the allegation straight away, and if proven, it will be classed as violent conduct on his record.

Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, the former PGMOL chief and FIFA-listed referee shared how long a possible suspension could be.

"The spitting allegation will be investigated by The FA, having entered the public domain," Hackett said.

"If proven, the player faces a suspension.

Read more: Illan Meslier exit more likely than ever as Leeds take new transfer steps

"It is classed as violent conduct and a minimum of three games."

Disgusting incident at Burnley vs Leeds

It is no surprise that someone like Hannibal is connected to this.

He has a history with Leeds fans, with missiles allegedly thrown at the midfielder back in 2024, but the FA decided against sanctions for that.

Before that, Mejbri was clearly seen winding up Leeds fans when walking along the Elland Road touchline when substituted, and action was called for against him then.

It should be more than three games if found guilty, and Hackett did reveal it was a minimum of that, with there being zero place for this in the Premier League, or anywhere.

Spitting at fans, like the allegation says, is disgusting, and it cannot be let go.

Burnley have important games against the likes of Wolves, Arsenal and West Ham coming up, and they could be without their midfielder for all of them, possibly even more.

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Keith Hackett

Hannibal Mejbri