Earlier than the sport, Burnley supervisor Scott Parker confirmed Hannibal was match however he had chosen to depart out the Tunisia midfielder to guard him from the highlight.
Parker informed BBC iPlayer earlier than kick-off: “As I mentioned earlier within the week within the press convention, basically I want to guard Hannibal and ensuring of the precise choice.
“It has been a tricky choice and we come right here a bit weakened immediately as a result of Hannibal is a vitally vital member of this squad, and I felt it was the very best choice for Hannibal.
“I would not need to put him in a scenario right here, so we’ve made the choice for the very best for Hannibal. That’s the reason he’s not within the matchday squad.”
Requested whether or not the choice was made after talking with Hannibal, Parker mentioned: “It was primarily my choice. Hannibal was selectable immediately however he’s a younger boy that skilled one thing right here only some weeks in the past and I simply made that call to maintain him out of right here and we’ve one other sport on Tuesday.”
The Soccer Affiliation (FA) is at present investigating the incident between Osmajic and Hannibal. If discovered responsible, Osmajic faces a minimal ban of six video games.
Preston supervisor Paul Heckingbottom mentioned he had not thought of the concept of leaving Osmajic out. Requested at his pre-match media convention whether or not he was taking an method of ‘harmless till confirmed responsible’, Heckingbottom replied: “Sure, precisely – 100%”.
