Milutin Osmajic receives nine-match suspension for racial abuse
Preston North End’s Montenegrin striker Milutin Osmajic has received a nine-match suspension and must pay £21,000 following an independent regulatory commission’s ruling on racial abuse allegations, reports BritPanorama.
The Football Association found the 26-year-old guilty of an aggravated breach after he allegedly made racist remarks to Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri during their Championship encounter on 15 February.
The commission determined Osmajic had violated FA Rule E3.1 through improper conduct and abusive language, with the offence classified as aggravated due to racial references. Despite the forward’s persistent denials and strong refutation of the accusations, the panel concluded the charges were proven based on the evidence presented during September’s private hearing.
Preston North End have voiced strong objections to the verdict, declaring themselves “extremely disappointed” with the regulatory commission’s sanctions against their player. The Lancashire club emphasised that the ruling relied upon a “balance of probabilities” threshold rather than the more stringent “beyond reasonable doubt” standard typically required in criminal proceedings.
In their official response, Preston noted the FA’s acknowledgement that the decision “offers no moral judgement, was not premeditated nor any comment about his general character”. The club affirmed their unwavering backing for Osmajic, stating: “Milutin has always pleaded his innocence of the charge and continues to do so. We continue to be fully supportive of our player.”
The February fixture at Deepdale saw play halted for several minutes when Mejbri reacted with visible distress to alleged comments from Osmajic. The Tunisian international immediately alerted referee Andrew Kitchen to the incident, prompting an extended discussion on the pitch. Following the match, Mejbri posted on social media: “I will not be silent about what happened today. I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it. That is the only way we change as a sport and a society.”
Tensions persisted when the sides met again in the FA Cup fifth round, with Burnley players refusing pre-match handshakes with Osmajic. The striker scored in Preston’s 3-0 victory and gestured towards visiting supporters during his celebration. The suspension extends until Preston’s Boxing Day clash with Stoke City, representing one of the lengthiest bans in EFL history.
Osmajic must also complete a mandatory education programme as part of his sanctions. This marks the second significant disciplinary action against the Montenegro international in consecutive seasons. He served an eight-match ban earlier this campaign after admitting violent conduct for biting Blackburn Rovers defender Owen Beck in September 2024, an offence that also carried a £15,000 financial penalty.
The FA confirmed their written reasons for the decision would be published shortly, whilst the forward has scored four Championship goals this term.
This situation is not just a matter of disciplinary action—it’s a reflection of the ongoing challenges within the sport, where the dialogue around racism remains as critical as ever. The responses from clubs and players alike will shape the narrative moving forward.
