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Preston forward Milutin Osmajic has been banned for nine matches after being found to have racially abused Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri.
Osmajic was accused of making a racist comment during Preston and Burnley's 0-0 draw in the Championship in February by former Manchester United star Hannibal. The forward 'strongly refuted' the allegation and denied the charge.
He was charged the following month, with the FA alleging 'that the forward acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards an opposing player'.
The FA has now issued a verdict, with a Regulatory Commission finding the charge against the Montenegrin international to be proven and have confirmed he will serve a nine-match ban.
'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.
'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.
Preston forward Milutin Osmajic has been banned for nine matches after a panel ruled he had racially abused Hannibal Mejbri
Hannibal (left) alleged Osmajic made the comment during Burnley's game against Preston in March
'Milutin Osmajić 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 have stated it is 'extremely disappointed' by the decision and vowed to support Osmajic.
'We are extremely disappointed at the decision made by an independent regulatory commission to sanction Milutin Osmajić 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.'
There was a post-match meeting with officials, where Osmajic denied making the comment
Mejbri took to social media to insist he 'will not be silent about what happened' in terms of the 'disgusting abuse'
The incident occurred during a Championship fixture in February with the two players exchanging words in the 56th minute of the game.
Mejbri had faced away from Osmajic until reacting, seemingly to something that was said, and issuing a complaint.
Mejbri spoke to the referee, manager Scott Parker and other players, with the incident noted and a meeting held after the game. Osmajic denies the claim, Preston have announced, but Mejbri took to social media to continue his accusation.
Burnley players snubbed shaking hands with Montenegrin Osmajic before their FA Cup fifth-round tie two weeks later. Osmajic scored in the game and mocked Burnley fans in his celebration.
'I will not be silent about what happened today,' Hannibal wrote on social media after the first match, in which the incident took place, on February 15. '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.'
Osmajic 'has strongly refuted the claims of a comment made towards Hannibal Mejbri in a post-match meeting with today's match officials', Preston said at the time.
Before the second game, meanwhile, footage showed Osmajic holding an outstretched hand to the Clarets starting eleven, but a handshake was not taken up.
Osmajic mocked Burnley fans when he scored against them in a game between the sides two weeks later
Burnley players refused to shake his hand before the second game between two teams
After being snubbed by the first couple of Burnley players, Osmajic was seen withdrawing his hand and continued to walk down the line while his Preston team-mates shook hands with the Burnley players.
Parker revealed post-match that Burnley players had been behind the decision not to shake hands with Osmajic and supported their move.
Preston would go on to claim a shock 3-0 win over Burnley in the all-Championship clash, with Osmajic scoring the hosts second goal in the 44th minute.
Osmajic started the match for Preston, while Parker opted to leave out Hannibal for the FA Cup tie.
Osmajic is Preston's top goalscorer in the league this season having struck four times, with the club riding high in fourth place in the Championship.
It is the second lengthy ban imposed on Osmajic, who was last year was banned for eight games after biting Owen Beck's neck in a game against Blackburn.
Osmajic received a yellow card, for dissent during the incident - Beck was sent off for kicking out - and Osmajic was later banned and fined £15,000.
