Preston Striker Milutin Osmajic Receives Nine-Match Ban for Racial Abuse
Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic has received a nine-match suspension due to allegations of racial abuse. This decision stems from an incident involving Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri during a Championship match on February 15, 2025.
Details of the Incident
Osmajic was found to have violated FA Rule E3.1 for using abusive and insulting language towards Mejbri. The incident amounted to an “aggravated breach” under FA Rule E3.2. This classification indicates that the language used referenced color and race, directly violating the Football Association’s guidelines.
Outcomes and Penalties
- Nine-match ban
- £21,000 fine
- Mandatory education course
Despite Osmajic’s denial of the charges, an independent regulatory commission established that the allegations were proven. Consequently, he will remain unavailable for matches until Preston competes against Stoke City on Boxing Day.
Club’s Reaction
In response to the ruling, Preston North End expressed disappointment with the commission’s decision. A club statement highlighted that the verdict was determined on the “balance of probabilities” rather than the higher standard of “beyond reasonable doubt.”
The statement reiterated the club’s support for Osmajic, asserting his continued plea of innocence. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their commitment to principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, voicing strong opposition to all forms of discrimination.
Hannibal Mejbri’s Stand Against Racism
Following the February incident, Hannibal Mejbri took to social media to voice his condemnation of racism. He stated, “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.”
Mejbri emphasized that no player should endure racial abuse on the field, highlighting the ongoing need for change in the sporting community.
The FA has announced that the written reasons for the independent commission’s decision will be made public at a later date, continuing the conversation around racism in football.
