Rivalry matches can bring out the best in teams, but sometimes, it can also bring out the worst. What Preston North End vs. Blackburn Rovers lacked in goals last weekend, it made up for in red cards and a potential biting incident. In the 89th minute of play, Preston striker Milutin Osmajic got into a clash with Blackburn left back Owen Beck. Beck was red-carded for the challenge but after, Osmajic appeared to bite the back of Beck’s neck.
After the Football Association reviewed the event, it said Osmajic is alleged to have “committed an act of violent conduct” to the back of Beck’s neck and will be charging him. Osmajic does have until Sep. 30 to respond to the FA’s charges before an official suspension is handed down.
The FA released a statement on the incident:
“Milutin Osmajic has been charged following Preston North End’s EFL Championship game against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday, 22 September. It’s alleged that the forward committed an act of violent conduct by biting an opponent around the 87th minute. Miluitin Osmajic has until Monday, 30 September, to provide a response.”
“He went to clear the ball and caught the lad, but he’s got a big bite mark on the back of his neck. It’s a shame the referee didn’t see that,” Blackburn manager Eustace said following the match. “He’s shown all the lads. He’s very disappointed to be sent off, but obviously he doesn’t want to have that on the back of his neck as well. He’s a little bit quiet, a little bit shook up.”
Luis Suarez was banned for four months by FIFA for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup, but for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, the Uruguan was given a 10-match ban from Premier League games. Further down the pyramid, Dagenham & Redbridge midfielder Joss Labadie was banned for six months by the FA for biting another player showing that there is quite a range for what can happen to Osmajic after biting Beck.
“All I can say is that there’s no place for [biting],” Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom said. “Mistimed tackles, things like that are part and parcel of the game, you accept them, anything that is not has to be dealt with.”
Both teams finished with 10 men during the heated match while tensions were high, but there could be more coming once the FA receives Osmajic’s response.
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