Over the years, several Burnley FC players have faced allegations of misconduct both on and off the pitch. From social-media controversies to disciplinary charges, each case reflects how seriously the FA and clubs treat professional conduct. This blog by Odds96 explains five such incidents, including the latest charge involving Hannibal Mejbri.
1. Andre Gray: Social Media Misconduct (2016)
In 2016, striker Andre Gray was charged by the FA for historic homophobic tweets he had posted in 2012, years before joining Burnley. The tweets contained offensive and discriminatory language, breaching FA Rule E3(1) and (2). Gray was handed a four-match ban and fined £25,000, with mandatory education on inclusion and diversity.
2. Charlie Austin: Assault Case (2013)
Austin, who played for Burnley from 2011 to 2013, was found guilty of assault in 2013 following an incident outside a Swindon nightclub. He punched a man after being accused of taking drugs in a toilet cubicle. Austin was fined £1,801 and ordered to pay £1,320 in court costs.
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3. Ben Mee: Dangerous Challenge & On-field Misconduct (2020)
In 2020, Burnley captain Ben Mee was investigated by the FA after a reckless tackle on Chelsea’s Mateo Kovačić drew widespread criticism. His late sliding challenge was deemed “endangering the safety of an opponent,” breaching Law 12 on serious foul play. Mee avoided retrospective suspension but received an official warning from the FA and was publicly criticised for the tackle.
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4. Kevin Hird: Police Assault Case (2008)
Former Burnley midfielder Kevin Hird was charged in 2008 after slapping a female police officer during a night out. He urinated in public and struck an officer who intervened. Hird pleaded guilty, received a six-month conditional discharge, and was ordered to pay £60 in costs.
5. Hannibal Mejbri: FA Misconduct Charge (2025)
The latest case involves Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, charged by the FA after the Premier League match against Leeds United on 18 October 2025. It’s alleged Mejbri acted improperly and used abusive or indecent behaviour, reportedly involving spitting toward the Leeds fans. The FA has given Mejbri until 28 November 2025 to respond. If found guilty, he could face a minimum six-match ban for serious misconduct.
Conclusion
Misconduct charges can tarnish reputations and impact careers, no matter how talented the player. For Burnley, these cases highlight that professionalism on and off the pitch remains crucial. While incidents like Mejbri’s are still under review, history shows that discipline and accountability are central to maintaining the club’s integrity.
FAQs
Q: Are all these misconduct cases verified?
Yes, all cases are based on verified reports from the FA
Q: Is Hannibal Mejbri guilty?
Not yet. His case is still under investigation, and he has until 28 November 2025 to respond to the FA’s charge.
Q: Does Burnley face penalties for player misconduct?
In individual cases, the player is punished, but repeated incidents can draw scrutiny to the club’s disciplinary standards.
Q: Have there been more serious misconduct cases in Burnley’s history?
Yes, but most were handled internally or during earlier eras when documentation was limited. The listed cases are publicly verified.
Q: How does the FA classify misconduct?
Misconduct includes abusive language, violent conduct, discriminatory remarks, or behaviour that damages the sport’s integrity.
