Preston’s Milutin Osmajic Receives Nine-Game Ban for Racial Abuse Incident

Milutin Osmajic, forward for Preston North End, has been handed a nine-game suspension after being found to have racially abused Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri during a Championship match in February.

The FA confirmed that the incident constituted an “aggravated breach” of disciplinary rules, involving abusive language referencing race and color. In addition to the suspension, Osmajic has been fined £21,000.

Osmajic Denies Allegations

Osmajic has consistently denied making racist remarks toward Mejbri. The FA first charged him in March, with a hearing held in September before the ruling was issued.

Preston North End responded by expressing disappointment and reiterated their stance against discrimination, while emphasizing that the decision was based on the civil standard of proof—“Balance of Probabilities”—rather than criminal burden of proof.

Club Reaction

The club stressed that the decision does not imply moral judgement or intent, stating that Osmajic retains their full support.

Burnley have not yet released a statement regarding the ruling.

Background to the Incident

The February match was briefly halted after Mejbri reacted strongly to alleged comments made by Osmajic. The tensions resurfaced when the teams met again in the FA Cup, where Osmajic scored in Preston’s 3–0 win and appeared to gesture toward Burnley fans.

Previous Suspension

This marks Osmajic’s second extended suspension in consecutive seasons. In September 2024, he received an eight-game ban and a £15,000 fine after admitting to biting Blackburn’s Owen Beck.

Osmajic will be eligible to return on December 26 against Stoke City.