Owen Beck allegedly bitten in Blackburn vs Preston derby clash
- Owen Beck was allegedly bitten by Milutin Osmajic during a local derby match between Blackburn and Preston.
- The incident occurred after Beck was sent off for a foul in the 89th minute, leading to heightened tensions on the field.
- Both managers condemned the biting incident, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in football.
During a heated local derby match on Sunday, Blackburn's Owen Beck was allegedly bitten by Preston's Milutin Osmajic. The incident occurred after Beck was sent off for kicking Duane Holmes in the 89th minute. Following this dismissal, tensions escalated, leading to the alleged biting incident, which was captured in replays showing Osmajic's face near the back of Beck's neck. Beck's manager, John Eustace, confirmed that Beck had a noticeable bite mark and expressed disappointment that the referee did not witness the incident. Beck reportedly informed the referee, Matt Donohue, about the biting, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Eustace noted that Beck was feeling shaken and disappointed about both the red card and the bite. The match was marked by aggressive play, with another player, Sam Greenwood from Preston, also receiving a red card for a dangerous tackle on Lewis Baker in the first half. Preston's manager, Paul Heckingbottom, condemned the act of biting, stating that while mistimed tackles are part of football, actions like biting should not be tolerated. The match's intensity and the subsequent incidents have raised concerns about player conduct and the need for stricter enforcement of rules regarding violent behavior on the pitch. This incident adds to the ongoing discussions about player safety and the responsibilities of referees in managing aggressive play. Both teams will likely face scrutiny as they navigate the aftermath of this derby clash, with potential disciplinary actions expected for the players involved.