FA imposes eight-match ban on Milutin Osmajic for biting Blackburn during Championship match

Preston North End forward Milutin Osmajic has been suspended for eight matches and fined £15,000 (approximately $19,752) for biting Blackburn Rovers defender Owen Beck during a Championship match last month.

The Football Association (FA) announced the decision on Friday, marking a significant disciplinary action following the heated altercation during the match.

The incident occurred late in the game, around the 87th minute, during a goalless draw between the two teams.

Tensions flared when Blackburn’s Owen Beck, who is on loan from Liverpool, was sent off for kicking out at Preston’s Duane Holmes.

During the resulting confrontation, Osmajic was seen getting uncomfortably close to Beck’s neck before biting him.

Despite receiving a yellow card during the match, the full scope of the incident came to light post-game.

Osmajic, a 25-year-old Montenegro international, admitted to the violent conduct, leading to the FA charging him with misconduct last month.

Following a hearing, an independent Regulatory Commission imposed the eight-match ban and fine.

The FA confirmed that detailed written reasons for the ruling would be published soon.

This biting incident draws parallels to a notorious case in 2013 when Liverpool’s Luis Suarez was banned for 10 matches after biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

The FA’s firm response to Osmajic’s conduct underscores its commitment to penalising violent behaviour on the pitch.

Osmajic’s suspension is a significant blow for Preston North End, as they lose a key forward for the upcoming fixtures.

The club is yet to release a statement regarding the player’s suspension or his future involvement after the ban is served.

The FA’s decision to impose a severe penalty reflects its no-tolerance stance on unsporting behaviour, aiming to uphold the integrity of the game.