2 weeks ago
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Preston forward Milutin Osmajic has been banned for nine matches after being found to have racially abused Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri.
Osmajic was accused of making a racist comment during Preston and Burnley's 0-0 draw in the Championship in February by former Manchester United star Hannibal. The forward 'strongly refuted' the allegation and denied the charge.
He was charged the following month, with the FA alleging 'that the forward acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards an opposing player'.
The FA has now issued a verdict, with a Regulatory Commission finding the charge against the Montenegrin international to be proven and have confirmed he will serve a nine-match ban.
'It was alleged that the forward had breached FA Rule E3.1 by acting in an improper manner and/or using abusive and/or insulting words towards a Burnley FC player during their EFL Championship fixture on Saturday 15 February.
'It was also alleged that this matter constitutes an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as the words included a reference – whether express or implied – to colour and/or race.
Preston forward Milutin Osmajic has been banned for nine matches after a panel ruled he had racially abused Hannibal Mejbri
Hannibal (left) alleged Osmajic made the comment during Burnley's game against Preston in March
'Milutin Osmajić denied the charge against him, which the Regulatory Commission found to be proven, and it has imposed an immediate nine-match suspension, £21,000 fine and mandatory education course.
'The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.'
Preston have stated it is 'extremely disappointed' by the decision and vowed to support Osmajic.
'We are extremely disappointed at the decision made by an independent regulatory commission to sanction Milutin Osmajić and impose a nine-match suspension, following an incident which took place in a league fixture against Burnley on 15th February 2025.
'We note that the outcome was determined on the 'Balance of Probabilities' rather than one that is 'Beyond Reasonable Doubt'.
'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.
'We are proud of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policies and practices, and we reaffirm our opposition to all forms of discrimination.'
