Preston's Milutin Osmajic denies racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri

Scott Parker, Manager of Burnley and Hannibal Mejbri of Burnley react towards Andrew Hughes and Freddie Woodman of Preston North End after an incident between Hannibal Mejbri of Burnley and Milutin Osmajic of Preston North End (not pictured) during the Sky Bet Championship match. Pic: Lewis Storey/Getty Images

Milutin Osmajic has denied racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri in today’s English Championship game, his club Preston North End have said.

Mejbri reacting angrily following an exchange during the second half of the game, leading to a delay of several minutes by referee Andrew Kitchen.

In a post on Instagram, former Manchester United player Hannibal said: "I will not be silent about what happened today. I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it.

"That is the only way we change as a sport and a society. I am a strong person but nobody should have to experience this disgusting abuse on the pitch."

Burnley said they were "aware of an alleged comment" and would offer their full support to the 22-year-old.

They explained that officials were notified of alleged incident and after the game and referee Kitchen has registered the complaint.

In response, Preston said Montenegro international Osmajic "strongly refuted" claims of a comment made towards Hannibal.

In a statement, Preston said: "Milutin Osmajic has strongly refuted the claims of a comment made towards Hannibal Mejbri in a post-match meeting with today's match officials."

BBC Sport said a Preston player approached the Burnley changing room at full-time to check on Hannibal's wellbeing.

Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford posted: "Kick it out, no place for that in football" on social media after the match.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the scoreless draw, Burnley boss Scott Parker said: "He's hurt. I think everyone could see that at the time, Hannibal's an emotional player and he was visibly very stressed by what was said.

"I don't want to get into the real details of what was said, I'm sure it'll come out in due course. Hannibal's reported it and is bitterly gutted really so we'll see what happens in the coming days."

The two sides will meet at Deepdale again in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, 1 March.

In October, Osmajic was banned for eight games by the Football Association for biting Blackburn's Owen Beck. He admitted the charge of violent conduct and was fined £15,000.