FA Investigating Alleged Bite Incident Involving Preston Striker Before Millwall Match
Preston North End is facing potential repercussions ahead of their match against Millwall this weekend, as the Football Association (FA) investigates an alleged biting incident involving striker Milutin Osmajic during last weekend’s fixture against Blackburn Rovers. The controversy arose when Rovers’ Owen Beck was sent off late in the game at Deepdale, claiming he had been bitten by Osmajic on his upper back.
The FA confirmed on Monday that they are aware of the allegations and will be looking into the incident further. Osmajic, who had already received a yellow card during the match for his involvement in a post-tackle melee following Beck’s kick on North End’s Duane Holmes, could potentially face disciplinary action if found guilty.
Manager and Player Reactions
In response to the allegations, Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom expressed his disapproval of such behavior, stating that there is no place for biting in the game of football. While acknowledging that mistimed tackles are a part of the sport, Heckingbottom emphasized that actions like biting are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Despite not having personally witnessed the incident, Heckingbottom relied on media reports to form his opinion on the matter.
Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace echoed Heckingbottom’s sentiments, emphasizing the seriousness of the alleged bite and the impact it had on Beck. Eustace revealed that Beck sustained a visible bite mark on his neck, expressing disappointment that the referee did not witness the incident firsthand. He emphasized the collective outrage felt by the team and reiterated the need for appropriate action to be taken.
Player Background and Club Response
Milutin Osmajic, aged 25, joined Preston North End from Spanish club Cadiz for a record fee in September 2023. Known for his attacking prowess and physicality on the field, Osmajic’s alleged involvement in the biting incident has raised questions about his conduct on the pitch. As the FA conducts its investigation, Preston North End will have to consider the potential ramifications for Osmajic and the team as a whole.
The club has already faced setbacks with midfielder Sam Greenwood being dismissed in the same match against Blackburn Rovers, further complicating their preparations for the upcoming fixture against Millwall. With key players potentially sidelined due to disciplinary issues, Preston will need to regroup and focus on maintaining their performance levels amidst the ongoing scrutiny.
In conclusion, the alleged biting incident involving Milutin Osmajic has cast a shadow over Preston North End’s recent matches and raised concerns about player behavior on the field. As the FA investigates the matter, both the club and the players involved will have to navigate the fallout and uphold the integrity of the sport. Stay tuned for updates on the investigation and its implications for Preston North End and the wider football community.
