Rivalry matches can bring out the best in teams, but sometimes they can also bring out the worst. What Preston North End vs. Blackburn Rovers missed out on goals last weekend, making up for it with red cards and a possible biting incident. In the 89th minute of play, Preston striker Milutin Osmajic collided with Blackburn left back Owen Beck. Beck was shown a red card for the challenge, but then Osmajic appeared to do so bites the back of Beck’s neck.
After the Football Association reviewed the event, it said Osmajic allegedly committed “an act of violent conduct” against the back of Beck’s neck and will charge him. Osmajic has until September 30 to respond to the FA’s allegations before an official ban is handed down.
The FA released a statement about the incident:
“Milutin Osmajic has been charged following Preston North End’s EFL Championship match against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday, September 22. It is alleged the attacker committed an act of violent conduct by biting an opponent around the 87th minute. Miluitin Osmajic has been charged with Monday, September 30, to provide an answer.”
“He went to clear the ball and caught the boy, but he has a large bite wound on his neck. It’s a shame the referee didn’t see that.” Blackburn manager Eustace said after the match. “He has shown all the boys. He is very disappointed that he is sent off, but he obviously does not want that on his neck. He is a bit quiet, a bit shocked.”
Luis Suarez was banned for four months by FIFA for biting Italian Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup, but the Uruguayan was handed a 10-match ban from Premier League matches for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic. Further down the pyramid, Dagenham & Redbridge midfielder Joss Labadie was banned for six months by the FA for biting another player, showing that quite a bit can happen to Osmajic after he bites Beck.
“All I can say is there’s no room for it [biting]said Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom. “Bad tackles, those kinds of things are part of the game, you accept them, anything that isn’t has to be addressed.”
Both teams finished with 10 men in the heated match as tensions were high, but more could come once the FA receives Osmajic’s response.
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