The Football Association (FA) has opened an investigation into Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic following allegations that he bit Blackburn Rovers’ Owen Beck during a heated Championship derby on Sunday. The alleged incident took place in the 87th minute, adding fuel to an already tense affair that ended in a goalless draw at Deepdale. The FA is expected to impose a lengthy ban if the accusations are confirmed, with the case drawing comparisons to past high-profile biting incidents in football.
The Alleged Incident
The controversy unfolded during a scuffle between the two teams when Blackburn’s Owen Beck was shown a red card for lashing out at Preston’s Duane Holmes. Beck attempted to clear the ball but caught Holmes with a wild swing, leading to an altercation involving players from both sides. During the melee, Osmajic allegedly bit Beck on the neck, leaving visible marks.
Beck was seen protesting to referee Matthew Donohue after the incident, claiming that he had been bitten. “He bit me,” Beck was heard saying, as he showed Donohue the apparent bite marks on his neck. Despite the commotion, Donohue dismissed Beck for his initial challenge on Holmes, while Osmajic received only a yellow card for his involvement in the altercation. However, the FA is now likely to take further disciplinary action against the Preston striker based on video footage and witness statements.
Oh no. Preston North End’s Milutin Osmajic appears to bite Blackburn’s Owen Beck…
Beck was sent off for a tackle that led to this moment, and told the ref he had bitemarks.
Osmajic remained on the pitch.. #PNEFC #Rovers pic.twitter.com/GXl3Sl5uXU
— Attacking Football (@AttackingFooty) September 22, 2024
Blackburn’s Reaction
Blackburn manager John Eustace was visibly frustrated in his post-match comments, expressing disbelief at the incident and calling for justice. He confirmed that Beck had been left shaken by the bite and showed his teammates the marks after the match.
“I haven’t really seen it, but he [Beck] has a big bite mark on the back of his neck,” Eustace said. “It’s a shame the referee didn’t see that too. He’s very disappointed to be sent off, and you don’t expect something like this in football. It’s a serious incident. Nobody likes to be bitten. He’s a bit shaken up, and we’re all pretty angry about it. I’m sure the FA will review it and make the right decision.”
Eustace’s comments suggest that the Blackburn camp is expecting swift action from the FA, especially considering the precedent set in similar cases.
Preston’s Stance
Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom appeared unaware of the incident when asked about it during his post-match press conference. He acknowledged hearing about the alleged bite after the game but refrained from making any excuses for Osmajic’s behavior.
“I’ve just been told about it, but I’ve not seen anything myself,” Heckingbottom stated. “Listen, there’s no place for that in football. We all know we can’t do that. Mistimed tackles and challenges are part of the game, but something like this is different. If it happened, the FA will handle it, and we’ll take responsibility.”
Heckingbottom’s remarks suggest that Preston will cooperate with the FA investigation, but he also maintained that he had not yet reviewed the footage himself.
Possible Punishments and Precedents
The FA’s investigation into Osmajic’s alleged bite could result in a significant ban for the Montenegrin forward. If the allegations are proven true, Osmajic could face a suspension of several matches, possibly ranging from six to ten games, depending on the severity of the offense. This would be in line with past disciplinary actions in similar cases.
One of the most famous biting incidents in football occurred in 2013 when Liverpool’s Luis Suarez was handed a ten-match ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League match. The FA’s punishment for Suarez set a precedent for dealing with incidents of this nature, and Osmajic could face a similar outcome.
In addition, just last week, Wrexham striker Paul Mullin was accused of biting Birmingham City’s Alex Cochrane during a League One clash. Although Mullin denied the accusation and no action was taken, the FA’s swift response in reviewing the case highlights the seriousness with which the governing body treats such allegations.
A Fiery Derby Ends in Controversy
The alleged biting incident overshadowed what was already a combative match between two fierce rivals. The derby saw both teams battling for dominance, with several hard tackles and altercations throughout. Blackburn had earlier been reduced to ten men after Sam Greenwood was sent off, adding to the intensity of the fixture. Despite the on-field drama, neither side managed to break the deadlock, and the game ended 0-0.
The draw keeps both teams within striking distance of the playoff positions in the Championship, but the focus will now shift to the disciplinary repercussions that could affect both sides in the coming weeks.
Osmajic’s Impact on Preston
Milutin Osmajic, who joined Preston North End in the summer, has been an important figure for the team in the early stages of the season. Known for his physical style of play and aggression in attack, Osmajic has contributed to Preston’s strong start in the Championship. However, this alleged biting incident could significantly derail his momentum, especially if he is handed a lengthy suspension.
Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom will be keen to avoid losing his striker for an extended period, as Osmajic has become a key component in the team’s attack. A lengthy ban could force Preston to rethink their offensive strategy and rely on other forwards during crucial fixtures.
Conclusion: A Serious Incident That Requires FA Attention
The alleged bite by Milutin Osmajic on Owen Beck during the Preston vs. Blackburn derby has drawn widespread attention, with the FA now tasked with investigating the incident. If proven true, the consequences for Osmajic could be severe, potentially resulting in a lengthy suspension. With Blackburn Rovers pushing for disciplinary action and Preston North End likely to cooperate with the investigation, all eyes will be on the FA’s decision in the coming days.
As football strives to maintain its integrity, incidents like this underline the importance of sportsmanship and discipline in the modern game. Regardless of the outcome, the FA’s response will set a standard for handling similar situations in the future, and both teams will hope to move past the controversy and focus on their Championship campaigns.
