BURNLEY players refused to shake hands with Preston’s Milutin Osmajic’s amid a racism row.
The two Championship clubs drew 0-0 in February.
But the match was marred in controversy after Osmajic was accused of making a racist remark to Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri.
The FA are still investigating the incident meanwhile the teams drew each other in the fifth round of the cup.
During the pre-match handshakes, Burnley players snubbed Osmajic.
But the drama did not stop there as the Preston forward scored before half-time to double the host’s lead after Robbie Brady‘s opener.
And Osmajic caused more controversy after putting his hands to his ears to goad the travelling Burnley fans.
Burnley manager Scott Parker confirmed Hannibal was fit but he left out the Tunisia midfielder to protect him from the spotlight.
Parker told BBC iPlayer before kick-off: “As I said earlier in the week in the press conference, fundamentally I need to protect Hannibal and making sure of the right decision.
“It has been a tough decision and we come here a bit weakened today because Hannibal is a vitally important member of this squad, and I felt it was the best decision for Hannibal.
“I wouldn’t want to put him in a situation here, so we have made the decision for the best for Hannibal.
“That is why he is not in the matchday squad.”
Asked whether he spoke with Hannibal, Parker said: “It was mainly my decision.
“Hannibal was selectable today but he is a young boy that experienced something here only a few weeks ago and I just made that decision to keep him out of here and we have another game on Tuesday.”
If found guilty, Osmajic faces a minimum six-match ban as the FA continue their probe.
Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom admitted he had not considered the idea of leaving Osmajic out.
Asked whether he was taking an approach of “innocent until proven guilty” – Heckingbottom replied: “Yes, exactly – 100 per cent.”
In October, Osmajic was hit with an eight-match ban after biting Blackburn’s Owen Beck.
The incident took place during Preston’s 0-0 draw with Rovers in September.
Osmajic was only shown a yellow during the game and was able to play in Preston’s next two games.
But the FA launched an investigation and subsequently charged him.
Osmajic missed Preston’s next eight matches and was also fined £15,000.
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