EFL striker given nine-match ban for racial abuse

He will be suspended until Christmas

The Montenegrin footballer has been accused of abusing Burnley player Hannibal Mejbri during a Championship fixture in February of this year.

He has also been fined £21,000.

Osmajic has made clear in the past that he "strongly refuted" the allegation but will now be suspended from play until at least Boxing Day.

During the match in February between Preston and Burnley, play was suspended for several minutes as match referee Andrew Kitchen dealt with the complaint made by Hannibal.

This latest suspension is the second ban that Osmajic has received while playing his football in England.

Back in the 2024/25 season, the striker was banned for eight games after being accused of biting Blackburn Rovers' Owen Beck.

Osmajic's club have already responded to the news with a statement.

It reads: "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."

The FA's full decision reads: "An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Preston North End FC’s Milutin Osmajić 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 manner and/or using abusive and/or insulting words towards a Burnley FC player during their EFL Championship fixture on Saturday 15 February.

"It was also alleged that this matter constitutes an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as the words included a reference – whether express or implied – to colour and/or race.

"Milutin Osmajić 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."