Nine-match ban! Preston’s Osmajic handed big punishment for racial abuse toward Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri

The Football Association (FA) has announced a nine-match suspension for Milutin Osmajic, the Preston North End forward, after he was found guilty of directing racist abuse toward Tunisian midfielder Hannibal Mejbri during an English Championship match last season.

The incident occurred on February 15, in a league game between Preston and Burnley. According to the FA, an independent regulatory commission concluded that Osmajic used language that included “a reference — whether explicit or implied — to colour and/or race.”

Osmajic denied the charge but was seen guilty. In addition to the suspension, he was also fined £21,000 (around $27,600) and ordered to attend an educational course.

Following the incident, Burnley players refused to shake hands with Osmajic during an FA Cup tie between the two sides weeks later, in solidarity with Mejbri, who described the abuse he received as “disgusting and racist.”

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