Preston North End forward Milutin Osmajic has been charged by the Football Association (FA) following an allegation of racist abuse during a Championship match against Burnley on February 15.
The FA confirmed on Monday that Osmajic had been charged under FA Rule E3 for allegedly using abusive or insulting words toward Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri.
The governing body further stated that the incident constitutes an “aggravated breach” under FA Rule E3.2, as it involved a reference to race or color.
A statement on the FA’s official website read: “Milutin Osmajic has been charged with breaching FA Rule E3 at the Championship fixture between Preston and Burnley on Saturday 15 February.
It’s alleged that the forward acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards an opposing player contrary to FA Rule E3.1.
It’s further alleged that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’ which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it includes a reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race.
Milutin Osmajic has until Tuesday 25 March to provide a response.”
Meanwhile, Preston North End acknowledged the FA’s charge but reiterated that Osmajic strongly denies the allegations.
The club released a statement on its website, saying:
“Milutin continues to strongly deny the allegations of the use of abusive language with reference to colour and/or race and will provide an official response to the FA charges in due course.
Until such a time where the case has been concluded, the club will be making no further comment.”
The alleged incident occurred during a heated exchange between Osmajic and Mejbri, which led the Burnley midfielder to report the matter to referee Andrew Kitchen.
Mejbri continued playing before being substituted in the 71st minute.
Osmajic has been given until March 25 to respond to the charge.
Meanwhile, the football community awaits further developments in the case, as the FA aims to maintain the integrity of the game and uphold its commitment to eradicating discrimination.
