Milutin Osmajic: Preston forward in contention to play vs Aston Villa amid racism charge towards Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri
Milutin Osmajic is in contention to face Aston Villa after seeing his deadline to respond to charges for alleged racism to Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri extended; Osmajic allegedly made racist comments towards him in a Championship match between the sides in February
Friday 28 March 2025 15:49, UK
Preston forward Milutin Osmajic is in contention to face Aston Villa in the FA Cup quarter-finals, days after being charged by the FA for allegedly making racist remarks towards Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri last month.
Osmajic initially had until March 25 to provide a response but Preston boss Paul Heckinbottom confirmed the deadline had been extended, freeing the player up to feature against Villa at Deepdale on Sunday, kick-off 1.30pm.
The punishment Osmajic would face if he accepts the charges is not yet known.
During a goalless draw in the Championship on February 15, Mejbri said he suffered "disgusting abuse" from Osmajic. He reported the incident to match officials, while the Preston player "strongly refuted the claims".
The forward was charged on March 17 with breaching FA Rule E3, which relates to the player 'acting in an improper manner and/or using abusive and/or insulting words towards an opposing player'.
An FA statement added: "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."
Following the game, Hannibal posted on X: "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.
"I am a strong person but nobody should have to experience this disgusting abuse on the pitch."
Speaking in his post-match interview, Burnley manager Scott Parker added: "Something inappropriate was said to Hannibal, which he reported.
"You could clearly see he was very distressed and in that moment we tried to get some context into what exactly had happened because he was very emotional.
"He explained to me what was said, and at that moment, we just wanted to work out how he was and where he was in his head space. It will go down to due process now."
A Preston club statement released after the charges read: "Preston North End acknowledges the charges brought against Milutin Osmajic by the FA following last month's Sky Bet Championship fixture against Burnley.
"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."
