Milutin Osmajic banned for biting Owen Beck in Championship match

In a recent match on September 22, 2023, Preston North End's Milutin Osmajic was involved in a controversial incident during a heated game against Blackburn Rovers in England's EFL Championship. The match, which ended in a goalless draw, saw Osmajic bite Blackburn defender Owen Beck late in the game, leading to significant disciplinary action. Although Osmajic was not sent off during the match, he later admitted to the act of violent conduct, resulting in an eight-match suspension and a £15,000 fine imposed by the English Football Association. The incident occurred after a series of aggressive exchanges between players, including Beck receiving a red card for kicking out at Preston's Duane Holmes. Following the biting incident, Beck reported the action to the referee, which sparked an investigation by the FA. The independent Regulatory Commission reviewed the case and determined that Osmajic's actions warranted a severe penalty, reflecting the seriousness of violent conduct in football. Osmajic's suspension means he will be unavailable for selection until a match against Derby on November 23. This incident has drawn comparisons to previous high-profile cases of biting in football, notably involving Luis Suarez, who faced similar sanctions in the past. The Preston manager, Paul Heckingbottom, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that there is no place for such behavior in the sport. The repercussions of this incident extend beyond Osmajic's immediate punishment, as it raises questions about player conduct and the measures in place to ensure sportsmanship in competitive matches.