Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic has been charged by the Football Association (FA) after being accused of racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri.
The alleged incident took place during a 0-0 draw at Deepdale last month, leading to an FA investigation. Osmajic now has until March 25 to respond to the charges.
This development has sparked discussions about racism in football, player conduct, and the consequences of discrimination in the sport.
Details of the Allegation
The FA’s charge against Osmajic states that he acted in an improper manner and used abusive and insulting words toward Hannibal. The charge falls under FA Rule E3.1, which covers misconduct related to offensive language.
However, the FA has also classified the case as an “aggravated breach” because the alleged abuse contained a reference to colour and/or race. This makes the charge more serious and could lead to a harsher punishment if Osmajic is found guilty.
Osmajic, a 25-year-old striker from Montenegro, has strongly denied the allegations.
What Happened During the Match?
During the Championship game, the match was stopped for several minutes in the second half when Hannibal Mejbri reacted angrily to something Osmajic reportedly said. The Tunisian midfielder immediately spoke to the referee, Andrew Kitchen, about the incident.
The controversy did not end there. When the two teams met again in the FA Cup fifth round two weeks later, Burnley players refused to shake hands with Osmajic before the match. Meanwhile, Hannibal was left out of the squad by Burnley manager Scott Parker, who explained that it was for Hannibal’s well-being.
“It has been a tough decision,” Parker said. “Hannibal is an important member of our squad, but I felt it was best for him not to play today.”
Interestingly, Osmajic went on to score the second goal for Preston as they won 3-0.
Hannibal Mejbri Speaks Out
After the first match, Hannibal Mejbri took to Instagram to express his feelings about the situation. He wrote:
“I will not be silent about what happened today. I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it. 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.”
His statement gained a lot of support from fans, players, and football organizations, all calling for strict action against racism in the sport.
Osmajic’s Disciplinary History
This is not the first time Osmajic has been in trouble with the FA. In October 2024, he received an eight-match ban and a fine of KES 2.5 million (GBP 15,000) for biting Blackburn player Owen Beck during a match.
Given his past misconduct, if he is found guilty of racial abuse, Osmajic could face a longer ban and a heavier fine.
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