Before the game, Parker confirmed that Hannibal was fit, but had chosen to put aside the midfielder of Tunisia to protect him from the center of attention.
Parker told BBC Ilayer before the start: “As I said at the beginning of the week at the press conference, I need to protect Hannibal and make sure the right decision.
“It has been a difficult decision and we come here a bit weakened today because Hannibal is a member of vital importance of this team, and I felt that it was the best decision for Hannibal.
“I would not like to put it in a situation here, so we have made the decision of the best for Hannibal. That is why it is not in the team of the day.”
When asked if the decision was made after talking to Hannibal, Parker said: “It was mainly my decision. Hannibal was selectable today, but he is a child who experienced something here only a few weeks ago and made that decision to keep him out of here and we have another game on Tuesday.”
Hannibal was the objective of the songs of Preston’s followers during the game in Deepdale, with Parker describing them as “sad” and illustrative of why he had not chosen the player.
The Soccer Association (FA) is currently investigating the incident between Osmajic and Hannibal. If you are guilty, Osmajic faces a minimum prohibition of six games.
Parker said about the investigation: “He is probably taking a little time. It is a serious accusation with a lot of research that must continue.”
Preston’s manager Paul Heckbottom said he had chosen Osmajic after talking to the player.
“If I had not been willing to do it [he would have been left out]”Heckingbottom said after the game.
“It was fine, I wanted to participate. We discussed possible things that could happen.”
