Milutin Osmajic Faces Nine-Game Ban for Racial Abuse Incident

Milutin Osmajic, forward for Preston North End, has been handed a nine-game suspension following charges of racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri. This incident occurred during a goalless draw between Preston and Burnley in February, resulting in Osmajic missing matches up to and including the game against Stoke City on Boxing Day. Additionally, he has been fined £21,000.

Despite the serious allegations, the 26-year-old Montenegrin striker has strongly denied the charges. The Football Association (FA) levied the charge in March, with a hearing conducted in September. Subsequently, the FA determined that an “aggravated breach” was proven, which involved the use of abusive and insulting language referring to color and race.

In response to the ruling, Preston North End expressed their deep disappointment and reiterated their commitment to opposing all forms of discrimination. The club stated, “We note that the outcome was determined on the ‘Balance of Probabilities’ rather than one that is ‘Beyond Reasonable Doubt.'” They also highlighted that the FA’s decision did not reflect a moral judgment on Osmajic’s character or suggest premeditation.

Osmajic’s innocence remains firm, as he has consistently maintained that he did not commit the offense in question, and Preston continues to fully support him.

Burnley has yet to release a statement regarding the incident. During the match in February, the confrontation was significant enough to warrant a delay in play when Mejbri reacted strongly to comments made by Osmajic, discussing the matter with referee Andrew Kitchen.

Two weeks later, during an FA Cup match in which Preston triumphed 3-0, Osmajic notably celebrated his second goal with gestures directed toward Burnley fans. Mejbri was notably absent from the squad for that match, and the Burnley team refused to shake hands with Osmajic prior to kickoff.

This recent ban marks the second lengthy suspension for Osmajic within consecutive seasons, as he previously received an eight-game ban in 2024-25 for biting Blackburn Rovers’ Owen Beck, for which he admitted guilt and incurred a £15,000 fine.