Hannibal Mejbri was at the centre of attention from Leeds United fans on Saturday afternoon as the decisive character often put himself in the firing line for those on the terraces at Elland Road.
Of course, a player on loan from Manchester United is always going to be singled out for a certain kind of reception among supporters at Elland Road. But Hannibal made himself an enemy of the Leeds faithful.
Whether it be his yellow card, his reaction to a brilliant tackle from Leeds skipper Ethan Ampadu that actually saw the Wales star come off worse, or his actions while being escorted around the Leeds pitch.
Indeed, after an aggressive and antagonising performance in the middle of the park for Burnley, Hannibal was taken off by Scott Parker on 73 minutes and it saw the midfielder have to walk around the pitch.
What Hannibal said on social media after Burnley beat Leeds
Indeed, Hannibal celebrated in front of the south stand before punching in the air in front of the away support. Hannibal sarcastically clapped criticising Leeds fans during his walk to the dugouts too.
A player already renowned for putting a foot in and enjoying the criticism of supporters, Hannibal had to be escorted round the pitch by supporters and stewards as he made his way back to Parker’s dugout.
Following the match, Hannibal took to Instagram and says it always feels better to win in such a way. The midfielder said: “Always good to play those type of games, even better when you bring the 3pts home.”
Leeds actually wanted to sign Burnley midfielder Hannibal
In the last fortnight of the summer window, Hannibal was actually linked with a move to Leeds but instead The Whites have brought in Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell as more attacking midfield options.
It would of course, been a controversial move to have signed a player from Manchester United but it is not a transfer that has stopped Leeds in the past. However, he moved to Burnley and is impressing.
Becoming a fan favourite quickly at Turf Moor largely due to his on-pitch tangles with opposing players and fans, Hannibal played a key role in Burnley’s 1-0 win over Leeds and not just because of his antics.
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