Milutin Osmajic, a Preston forward, was given a nine-match suspension after being accused of racially abusing Burnley star Hannibal Mejbri.
It has to do with an incident that occurred during Burnley and Preston’s goalless draw in February.
A confrontation with Osmajic left Tunisia international Mejbri furious in the 57th minute of their Championship match.
The referee’s conversation with the Burnley man caused a several-minute delay in the start of the game.
Mejbri accused the Preston guy of racist taunts on social media following the game.
Two weeks later, the two teams played each other in the FA Cup.
Burnley manager Scott Parker excluded Mejbri, while his teammates declined to shake Osmajic’s hand.
The Preston midfielder pointed to the Burnley fans after scoring the second goal in their 3-0 victory.
Although Osmajic vehemently denied the accusations, the Football Association prosecuted him in March, and a hearing was held in September.
On Friday, the FA subsequently declared that the Preston player had been sanctioned and fined £21,000.
FA statement on Osmajic
“An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Preston North End FC’s Milutin Osmajic for a proven breach of FA Rule E3,” the FA said in a statement.
“During their EFL Championship match on Saturday, February 15, the forward was accused of violating FA Rule E3.1 by acting inappropriately and/or using derogatory and/or abusive language towards a Burnley FC player.
Osmajic’s missed games
Millwall, November 8 (a)Blackburn, Nov. 21 (h)Watford, Nov. 24 (a)Sheffield Wednesday on November 29 (a)Wrexham on December 6 (h)Coventry, December 9 (h)Dec. 13: Oxford (a)Norwich, December 20 (h)Stoke on December 26 (a)
Additionally, it was asserted that this matter constituted a ‘Aggravated Breach’ as described by FA Rule E3.2 because the words contained an explicit or implicit reference to race and/or color.
“The Regulatory Commission has imposed an immediate nine-match suspension, a £21,000 fine, and a mandatory education course notwithstanding Milutin Osmajic’s denial of the charge.
“The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.”
Preston’s assertion
Following the announcement, Preston issued a statement voicing their disapproval of the choice.
The statement stated: “Preston North End is deeply disappointed by the independent regulatory commission’s decision to penalize Milutin Osmajic and impose a nine-match suspension, in response to an incident that occurred during a league match against Burnley on February 15, 2025.
“Notably, the decision was made based on the ‘Balance of Probabilities’ rather than a ‘Beyond Reasonable Doubt’ conclusion.
Additionally, we observe that the FA concluded that this decision makes no moral judgments, was not planned, or makes any remarks regarding his overall character.
“Milutin has consistently maintained his innocence in the face of the accusation. Our player still has our undivided support.
“We are proud of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policies and practices, and we reaffirm our opposition to all forms of discrimination.”
Osmajic prohibitions
Within just over a year, Osmajic has been subject to two lengthy bans.
After acknowledging that he had bitten Owen Beck of Blackburn, he was suspended for eight games in the 2024–2025 season.
Additionally, the Montenegro international received a “15,000” fine.
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