Keith Hackett questions ‘unacceptable’ Osmajic delay amid Hannibal Burnley row
Keith Hackett has reacted to the latest reports on the racism row involving Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic and Burnley.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official told Football Insider that suggestions the FA are yet to speak with the 25-year-old for their investigation into allegations from Hannibal Mejbri are “unacceptable”.
Burnley midfielder Hannibal accused Osmajic of making a racist comment towards him during the 0-0 draw between the two sides on 15 February.
In the wake of that game, both clubs issued statements condemning racist abuse, with Preston also stating that the striker maintains his innocence.
Osmajic has continued to play while the investigation has been ongoing, featuring for Paul Heckingbottom’s side in their last five games.
The two clubs met in the FA Cup on 1 March. Hannibal was not involved in that game, while his Burnley teammates did not shake hands with Osmajic who scored as Preston won 3-0.
Milutin Osmajic investigation gets new update
On Sunday (9 March), journalist Alan Nixon reported that the FA are still yet to speak with Osmajic about the allegations against him.
It is stated that the authorities have held discussions with Hannibal, but are yet to meet with the Preston striker to get his version of events.
| Preston last five games | Result |
| Millwall (H) | Drew 1-1 |
| Coventry (A) | Lost 2-1 |
| Burnley (H) | Won 3-0 |
| Swansea (H) | Drew 0-0 |
| Sheffield United (A) | Lost 1-0 |
Those talks could apparently come towards the end of this week, with the FA said to be under pressure to get to the bottom of the matter.
Now, Hackett has given his thoughts on this latest news indicating something of a delay in proceedings to the investigation.
Keith Hackett reacts to Preston investigation news
Speaking to Football Insider about this reports that the FA are yet to speak to Osmajic, the former referee said:
“I think the line to take is: first of all I think the delay is unacceptable, but then probably what needs to be said is: was the delay due to a police investigation?
“That’s the only let out that initially I would suggest might delay the process, otherwise get on with it. There’s enough people in disciplinary and review panels and all that to deal with the matter fairly quickly.”
Preston sit mid-table in the Championship ahead of their clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night (11 March), with Osmajic again expected to be available.
Burnley meanwhile are two points adrift of the automatic promotion places, and are due to host West Brom on the same evening.