08 Nov 2025, 04:31
Forward Preston Osmajdzhytsia suspended for nine matches for racism
- Forward Milutin Osmajdzhytsia has been suspended for nine matches for racism.
- Preston expressed its disappointment with the FA's decision.
- The player denies the accusations and continues to receive the club's support.
Forward Preston North End Milutin Osmajdzhytsia was suspended for nine matches due to racist remarks directed at player Berndly Khannibal Maybri during the match that took place on February 15, 2025. The incident occurred during a game in which the teams failed to score a goal, finishing the match with a score of 0-0.
The English Football Association (FA) reported that an independent regulatory commission found the accusations against Osmajdzhytsia substantiated. The player who denied the accusations also received a fine of 21,000 pounds sterling and is required to undergo an educational course.
In the club's statement, Preston indicated that they are "extremely disappointed" with the commission's decision, emphasizing that the outcome was determined based on the principle of "balance of probabilities," rather than "beyond reasonable doubt." The club stressed that this decision is not a moral judgment, and Osmajdzhytsia has always denied his guilt.
After the incident, when Maybri reacted angrily to Osmajdzhytsia's words, the match was suspended for several minutes. In the following week, the teams will meet in a cup match, where the players of Berndly will refuse to shake Osmajdzhytsia's hand as a sign of solidarity with Maybri.
This event marks the second lengthy suspension for Osmajdzhytsia over two seasons. Earlier, he had already been given an eight-match ban for a previous incident that occurred in the spring of 2024.
Tags: Sport/Football