Milutin Osmajic Receives Eight-Match Ban for Biting Incident

Preston North End Striker Milutin Osmajic Receives Eight-Match Ban for Biting Incident

In a shocking turn of events during the Championship clash on September 22, Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic has been hit with an eight-match ban and a £15,000 fine for biting Blackburn Rovers defender Owen Beck. This incident has drawn attention from fans and pundits alike, highlighting a rare act of violence on the pitch.

Details of the Incident

The incident unfolded late in the match, specifically around the 87th minute, when tension escalated between the two sides. Beck had just received a straight red card for kicking Preston's Duane Holmes, and in the midst of the chaos, Osmajic reacted in a most unexpected manner by biting Beck.

Response from All Parties Involved

Beck indicated post-game that he had been bitten, and this was later confirmed by his manager John Eustace, who stated, "He's got a big bite mark on the back of his neck. He's shown all the lads. He's a little bit quiet, a little bit shook up." This acknowledgment from both players and their managers reflects the gravity of the situation.

The FA's Decision

Following the incident, the FA confirmed the sanctions imposed on Osmajic. A statement released on Friday highlighted, "Preston North End's Milutin Osmajic has been given an eight-match suspension and £15,000 fine for misconduct during the match against Blackburn Rovers." Osmajic admitted to the act of violent conduct during the hearing, which led to the independent Regulatory Commission's ruling.

Preston North End's Reaction

Preston North End also released an official statement responding to the decision, affirming their recognition of the suspension and fine. The club noted that Osmajic would be unavailable for selection until the match against Derby County on November 23.

Analyzing the Bizarre Behavior

Sky Sports commentator Sue Smith weighed in on the incident, labeling Osmajic's behavior as "absolutely bizarre," drawing parallels to the notorious biting incidents from players like Luis Suarez. Such actions raise essential questions about player conduct and the pressures that come with professional sports.

Upcoming Fixtures Osmajic Will Miss

vs. Blackburn Rovers (Home)
vs. Sheffield Wednesday (Away)
vs. Norwich City (Home)
vs. Queens Park Rangers (Away)
vs. Cardiff City (Home)
vs. Bristol City (Away)
vs. Watford (Home)
vs. Derby County (Home)

The controversy surrounding biting in football is not new, and incidents like this have historically led to both immediate punishment and longer-term discussions about player behavior. As Osmajic faces the consequences of his actions, the footballing community remains vigilant about the standards expected on the pitch.