Preston North End forward Milutin Osmajic has been banned for nine games by the FA.
Osmajic was accused of racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal during the goalless draw at Deepdale last season.
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The PNE forward has also been fined £21,000 and must attend an education course, the FA has confirmed.
An official statement read: “An independent regulatory commission has sanctioned Preston North End FC’s Milutin Osmajic for a proven breach of FA Rule E3.
“It was alleged that the forward had breached FA Rule E3.1 by acting in an improper manger and/or using abusive and/or insulting words towards a Burnley FC player during their EFL Championship fixture on Saturday, February 15.
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“It was also alleged that this matter constitutes an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E.2, as the words included a reference – whether express or implied – to colour and/or race.
“Milutin Osmajic 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”.
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North End have said in a statement they are “extremely disappointed” with the decision, insisting that Osmajic has always “pleaded his innocence of the charge and continues to do so”.
Their statement read: “Preston North End 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’.
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“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.”
