Footballer who 'racially abused' ex-Man Utd star slapped with huge ban as FA statement made

Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic has been banned for nine matches after he allegedly racially abused ex-Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri earlier this year.

The incident occurred in Preston's goalless draw vs Burnley in the Championship, on February 15, and Osmajic will now miss up to and including the club's game against Stoke on Boxing Day. The 26-year-old, who has scored four times in 11 second tier appearances this season, has also been fined £21,000.

Osmajic, 26, who "strongly refuted" and denied the allegations, was charged by the Football Association in March with a hearing taking place in September.

However, the FA have now said that it was found in the hearing that an "aggravated breach", where using abusive and/or insulting words which included reference to colour and/or race, was found to be proven.

A statement from the FA read: "An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Preston North End FC's Milutin Osmajic for a proven breach of FA Rule E3.

"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.

"Milutin Osmajic 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, meanwhile, responded