Milutin Osmajic: Preston forward given nine-game ban for racially abusing Hannibal

Milutin Osmajic, a forward for Preston North End, has received a nine-match suspension after being charged with making racial remarks towards Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri.

This event occurred during the goalless encounter between Preston and Burnley in February, resulting in the 26-year-old being sidelined up to and including the fixture against Stoke City on 26 December.

The Montenegrin player has also incurred a fine of £21,000.

Osmajic, who has «strongly denied» the accusations, was charged by the Football Association (FA) in March, and the hearing took place in September.

The FA stated that after the hearing, it was concluded that an «aggravated breach» involving abusive and/or insulting language that referenced colour and/or race was established.

In reply, Preston expressed their «deep disappointment» with the verdict and reiterated their stance against all types of discrimination.

«We understand that the verdict was based on a ‘Balance of Probabilities’ rather than a finding that is ‘Beyond Reasonable Doubt’,» the club remarked.

«We also acknowledge that the FA indicated that this ruling carries no moral judgment, was not premeditated, nor does it reflect on his overall character.

«Milutin has consistently maintained his innocence regarding the allegations and continues to do so. We remain wholly supportive of our player.»

Burnley has yet to make a statement on the matter.

In legal terms, the burden of proof typically required in criminal cases is beyond reasonable doubt, while the standard applied in civil cases, such as workplace disciplinary actions, is balance of probabilities.

The Championship match in February faced a delay for several minutes in the second half as the Tunisian player reacted angrily to comments seemingly directed at him by Osmajic, followed by Hannibal discussing the incident with referee Andrew Kitchen.

Two weeks post-incident, the teams met again in the FA Cup fifth round where Osmajic netted Preston’s second goal and directed gestures towards Burnley supporters during the celebrations.

Burnley coach Scott Parker omitted Hannibal from the lineup for the FA Cup clash, which resulted in a 3-0 victory for Preston, while the Clarets declined to shake hands with Osmajic during pre-match activities.

This marks the second significant ban for Osmajic within two seasons, as he previously received an eight-match suspension in 2024-25 for biting Blackburn Rovers’ Owen Beck in September 2024.

The Montenegro international, who acknowledged the charge of violent conduct in that instance, was also fined £15,000.