Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic has been handed an eight-match ban and a £15,000 fine for biting Blackburn Rovers defender Owen Beck during a recent Championship match.
The incident occurred during the second half of the match between Preston and Blackburn, with Osmajic appearing to bite Beck on the shoulder during a heated exchange between the two players. The incident was missed by the match officials at the time, but was later picked up on video footage and brought to the attention of the Football Association.
After reviewing the footage, the FA decided to charge Osmajic with violent conduct and he was subsequently handed the ban and fine. The disciplinary panel took into account Osmajic’s previous disciplinary record, as well as the severity of the incident, in making their decision.
Preston manager Ryan Lowe has condemned Osmajic’s actions, calling them “completely unacceptable” and stating that the club will be taking internal disciplinary action against the player as well.
Beck, who was the victim of the bite, has since spoken out about the incident, describing it as “shocking and completely out of character” for Osmajic. He has also expressed his disappointment that such behavior occurred on the pitch.
The ban means that Osmajic will miss a significant portion of Preston’s remaining fixtures this season, as well as facing a substantial financial penalty. The club will now be without one of their key attacking options for a crucial period in the campaign.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of good sportsmanship and respect on the football pitch. Biting has no place in the game and players must be held accountable for their actions, no matter the circumstances.
It is hoped that Osmajic will learn from this experience and come back stronger, with a renewed commitment to fair play and respect for his fellow professionals. In the meantime, Preston will have to cope without one of their key players as they push for a strong finish to the season.
Christina