Preston’s Milutin Osmajic banned for eight games after biting opponent

Osmajic has also been fined £15,000 after an independent Regulatory Commission reviewed the incident with Blackburn’s Owen Beck in the Lancashire derby

Jack Rathborn
Friday 04 October 2024 11:25 BST
Comments
Blackburn Rovers' Owen Beck being confronted by Preston North End's Milutin Osmajic
Blackburn Rovers' Owen Beck being confronted by Preston North End's Milutin Osmajic (Nick Potts/PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Preston’s Milutin Osmajic has been banned for eight games and fined £15,000 for biting an opponent.

Osmajic “accepted” the FA charge of violent conduct after biting Blackburn Rovers defender Owen Beck.

The incident came after Beck was sent off for kicking out at Preston’s Duane Holmes in the closing stages of a fiery Lancashire derby.

A melee followed and Beck was seen protesting to referee Matthew Donohue that Osmajic, who received a yellow card, had bitten him.

Osmajic appeared to bite down on Beck’s upper back after television replays were shown, with the FA now imposing a hefty suspension.

A statement from the FA read: “Preston North End's Milutin Osmajic has been given an eight-match suspension and £15,000 fine for misconduct during their match against Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship on Sunday 22 September.

Owen Beck confronts Milutin Osmajic
Owen Beck confronts Milutin Osmajic (Getty Images)

“The forward admitted that he committed an act of violent conduct around the 87th minute by biting an opponent. An independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing. Its written reasons will be published in due course.”

Blackburn manager John Eustace told BBC Radio Lancashire at the time: “Owen’s got a big bite mark on the back of his neck and it’s a shame the referee didn’t see that.”

Luis Suarez, while playing for Liverpool, was handed a 10-match ban in 2013 after biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in