Championship striker, 26, handed NINE-match ban for racist abuse of ex-Man Utd ace – but club vow to fully support him
PRESTON NORTH END striker Milutin Osmajic has been slapped with a nine-match ban for racially abusing Hannibal Mejbri.
The alleged incident took place during a Championship clash between Preston and Burnley in February.
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Osmajic has been hit with a nine-match ban
Preston and Burnley played out a goalless draw in FebruaryCredit: Getty
Former Manchester United star Mejbri reacted furiously to something Osmajic said during the 0-0 draw and brought it to the referee’s attention, prompting a delay of several minutes.
An investigation was opened by the FA and Osmajic was charged with an “aggravated breach”, which means a reference to colour or race.
On Friday, an independent Regulatory Commission sanctioned Osmajic with a nine-match suspension, a £21,000 fine and a mandatory education course after “proving” the charge on a balance of probabilities.
Osmajic has always denied wrongdoing and Preston have vowed to stick by him.
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The club wrote on X: “We are extremely disappointed at the decision made by an independent regulatory commission to sanction Milutin Osmajic.
“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.”
Preston and Burnley faced off again two weeks after the alleged incident, and Clarets stars refused to shake hands with Osmajic before kick-off.
Mejbri started on the bench as Montenegrin international Osmajic scored Preston’s second goal in a 3-0 win.
The 26-year-old is Preston’s top scorer in the Championship this season with four goals in 11 games.
Osmajic is Preston’s top scorer in the league this seasonCredit: Getty
