FootyChatter.com

Milutin Osmajic signed for Preston North End in 2023 from Spanish side Cadiz Preston North End forward Milutin Osmajic has been given a nine-game ban after he was charged with racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri. The incident happened during Preston's goalless draw with Burnley in February and the 26-year-old will now miss up to and including their game against Stoke City on Boxing Day. The Montenegrin has also been fined £21, 000. Osmajic, who "strongly refuted" and denied the allegations was charged by the Football Association in March with a hearing taking place in September. The FA said, external that following the hearing, an "aggravated breach", where using abusive and/or insulting words which included reference to colour and/or race, was found to be proven. In response, , external Preston said they were "extremely disappointed" at the decision and reaffirmed their opposition to all forms of discrimination. "We note that the outcome was determined on the 'Balance of Probabilities' rather than one that is 'Beyond Reasonable Doubt', " the club added. "We also note that The FA determined that this decision offers no moral judgement, was not premeditated nor any comment about his general character. "Milutin has always pleaded his innocence of the charge and continues to do so. We continue to be fully supportive of our player. " Burnley, meanwhile, are yet to comment. Hannibal Mejbri (right) flagged the incident to match referee Andrew Kitchen in Preston's goalless draw with Burnley Beyond reasonable doubt is typically the burden of proof in criminal cases, while balance of probabilities is the civil one that would be used in such workplace disciplinary decisions. February's Championship fixture was delayed for several minutes in the second half when the Tunisian reacted furiously to something which appeared to be said to him by Osmajic, while Hannibal then spoke at length to referee Andrew Kitchen. Two weeks later, the teams faced each other in the FA Cup fifth round with Osmajic scoring Preston's second goal and gesturing towards the Burnley fans during his celebrations. Hannibal was left out by Burnley boss Scott Parker for the tie, which Preston won 3-0, while the Clarets refused to shake hands with Osmajic during the pre-match preparations. It is the second lengthy ban that Osmajic has been given in as many seasons, having received an eight-game suspension in 2024-25 for biting Blackburn Rovers' Owen Beck in September 2024. The Montenegro international, who admitted that particular charge of violent conduct, was also fined £15, 000. Latest Preston North End news, analysis and fan views Sao Paulo GP: Hamilton out in second part of sprint qualifying 'Tuchel and England's world will not revolve around Bellingham' From non-league to England call-up - who is 'Guernsey Grealish' Scott? Preview the return of The Night Manager A conspiracy theory group that spiralled out of control Drama based on Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's fight for justice Step into the Antarctic and unleash your inner detective 'Tuchel and England's world will not revolve around Bellingham' 'Arsenal attack like 'Invincibles' and defend like class of 97-98' From non-league to England call-up - who is 'Guernsey Grealish' Scott? Sutton's predictions v Bath & England rugby star Ollie Lawrence Baffling? Distracting? The fallout from Earps' book New Rangers dawn as far away as ever in European Groundhog Day Areola on dogs, pressure and West Ham fighting back. Video Areola on dogs, pressure and West Ham fighting back A hybrid game, fatigue & the TMO - Jones' plan to fix rugby Should you triple up on Arsenal defenders? The FPL talking point 'Teacher' O'Neill with work to do as Celtic taught another lesson 'Everyone knows his quality' - does Foden deserve England recall? What we learned from the first half of the NFL season 'Australia not a bunch of old-timers - they're an outstanding team' Modified court and one serve each - Sabalenka v Kyrgios divides opinion Weekly sports quiz: Who are youngest Champions League players? 'If a player was recommended, I always watched them twice away from home' Sitting Down With Mary Earps - the full interview. Video Sitting Down With Mary Earps - the full interview Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.