Milutin Osmajic: 8-Match Ban and £15,000 Fine for Biting Incident

Preston North End Striker Milutin Osmajic Faces Eight-Match Ban

In a shocking turn of events, Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic has been handed an eight-match suspension and fined 15,000 for biting Blackburn defender Owen Beck. This disciplinary action followed an incident during the Championship clash between the two teams on September 22, where tensions escalated towards the end of the match.

Details of the Incident

The confrontation unfolded when Owen Beck received a straight red card for kicking out at Preston’s Duane Holmes. Amidst the chaos, Osmajic reacted and was subsequently cautioned by referee Matthew Donohue. The dramatic moment was captured in the heat of a rivalry that often leads to intense exchanges on the pitch.

Manager's Reaction

Beck reported the incident following the match, claiming he had been bitten by Osmajic. His manager, John Eustace, corroborated this statement, stating, "He has a big bite mark on the back of his neck. He's shown all the lads and he seems a little bit quiet and shook up after the ordeal."

FA's Decision

The FA announced the sanctions against Osmajic in a statement released early Friday morning. They stated, "Preston North End's Milutin Osmajic has been given an eight-match suspension and a 15,000 fine for misconduct during the match against Blackburn Rovers. The forward admitted to committing an act of violent conduct around the 87th minute by biting an opponent. An independent Regulatory Commission imposed these sanctions following a hearing."

Club Response

Preston North End issued a statement acknowledging the ruling from the independent Regulatory Commission. They stated, "The Montenegro international will be unavailable for selection until Saturday, November 23, for the home fixture against Derby County." The club added that they would refrain from making further comments until the written reasons from the independent Regulatory Commission are published.

Matches Osmajic Will Miss

Due to this suspension, Milutin Osmajic will unfortunately miss several critical fixtures for Preston North End. Below is a list of matches that he will be absent from:

• Match 1: Preston North End vs [Opponent A] - Date
• Match 2: Preston North End vs [Opponent B] - Date
• Match 3: Preston North End vs [Opponent C] - Date
• Match 4: Preston North End vs [Opponent D] - Date
• Match 5: Preston North End vs [Opponent E] - Date
• Match 6: Preston North End vs [Opponent F] - Date
• Match 7: Preston North End vs [Opponent G] - Date
• Match 8: Preston North End vs [Opponent H] - Date

This incident raises questions about player conduct and the implications of disciplinary actions in professional sports.

Looking Ahead

Osmajic's absence will likely affect Preston North End's strategies moving forward. With crucial matches on the horizon, the club may need to explore alternative offensive options to maintain their competitive edge.

Stay tuned for updates on this situation as more information becomes available regarding the implications of Osmajic’s suspension.