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Preston North End star Milutin Osmajic has been handed a nine-match ban in relation to his behaviour in a game against Burnley last season. He was alleged to have committed an 'aggravated breach', making reference to colour or race, and a ruling has now been reached. "An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Preston North End FC’s Milutin Osmajić for a proven breach of FA Rule E3," a statement shared on social media by an official FA Spokesperson reads. "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." Preston have issued a statement following the news. "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," it begins. "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." Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri had previously spoken out about the alleged racist abuse. "I will not be silent about what happened today," the Tunisia international wrote on Instagram on February 15. "I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it," he added. "That is the only way we change as a sport and a society. I am a strong person but nobody should have to experience this disgusting abuse on the pitch." Osmajic has played 11 times for Preston in the Championship this season, scoring four goals. Paul Heckingbottom's side sit fourth in the table at the time of writing, two points outside the automatic promotion spots. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
