Milutin Osmajic, a player for Preston North End, has been charged by the Football Association (FA) following an alleged racist incident during a Championship match against Burnley. The incident took place on February 15, when Hannibal Mejbri reported that Osmajic directed racist comments towards him. In response to these allegations, Osmajic has been charged with breaching FA Rule E3, which pertains to improper conduct and the use of abusive language.
The alleged incident was brought to the attention of match officials by Mejbri, who claimed that Osmajic made racially abusive remarks. Osmajic has refuted these claims, maintaining his innocence and denying the use of any abusive language related to colour or race.
"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." – Preston North End club statement
The FA has classified the charges as an "aggravated breach," which is defined under FA Rule E3.2 as including references, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race. Osmajic is required to respond to these charges by March 25.
Preston North End has acknowledged the charges against Osmajic and stated that he will be providing an official response to the FA in due course. This development underscores the seriousness with which the FA addresses issues of racism within the sport.
Hannibal Mejbri, the recipient of the alleged comments, has expressed his determination to speak out against racism in football.
"I will not be silent about what happened today. I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it. That is the only way we change as a sport and a society." – Hannibal Mejbri
Leave a Reply