Preston’s Milutin Osmajic Faces Eight-Game Ban for Biting Opponent
Preston North End’s Milutin Osmajic has been handed an eight-game ban and fined £15,000 for biting an opponent during a recent match. Osmajic accepted the FA charge of violent conduct after biting Blackburn Rovers defender Owen Beck. This incident occurred after Beck was sent off for kicking out at Preston’s Duane Holmes in the closing stages of a heated Lancashire derby.
A scuffle ensued following Beck’s dismissal, during which Beck approached referee Matthew Donohue to report that Osmajic had bitten him. Television replays later confirmed Osmajic had bitten Beck on the upper back, leading to the FA imposing a significant suspension on the player.
In a statement, the FA announced, “Preston North End’s Milutin Osmajic has been handed an eight-match suspension and a £15,000 fine for misconduct during their match against Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship on Sunday 22 September. The forward admitted to committing an act of violent conduct around the 87th minute by biting an opponent. An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed these sanctions following a hearing, with written reasons to be published in due course.”
Blackburn manager John Eustace expressed his disappointment, stating to BBC Radio Lancashire, “Owen has a significant bite mark on the back of his neck, and it’s unfortunate the referee did not witness that.” The incident brings to mind Luis Suarez, who received a 10-match ban in 2013 for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic while playing for Liverpool.
Such behaviour is severely condemned in football, and Osmajic’s actions have consequences that extend beyond the bans and fines imposed. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fair play and respect on and off the football pitch.