Milutin Osmajic playing for Preston.
Preston player Milutin Osmajic has been slapped with a huge ban.
Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic has been banned for nine matches after he allegedly racially abused ex- midfielder Hannibal Mejbri earlier this year.
The incident occurred in Preston's goalless draw vs Burnley in the Championship, on February 15, and Osmajic will now miss up to and including the club's game against Stoke on
Osmajic, 26, who "strongly refuted" and denied the allegations, was charged by the Football Association in March with a hearing taking place in September.
However, the FA have now said that it was found in the hearing that an "aggravated breach", where using abusive and/or insulting words which included reference to colour and/or race, was found to be proven.
A statement from the FA 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 manner and/or using abusive and/or insulting words towards a Burnley FC player during their EFL Championship fixture on Saturday 15 February.
Milutin Osmajic has been banned for NINE matches (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
"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 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."
Preston, meanwhile, responded with a statement themselves, saying: "We are extremely disappointed at the decision made by an independent regulatory commission to sanction Milutin Osmajic 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'. 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."
---
Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms - including and Apple Podcasts - and you can also watch along on .