Preston striker Milutin Osmadić was handed a nine-match ban earlier this year for allegedly racially abusing Burnley’s Hannibal Mabry.
The forward is alleged to have breached FA Regulation E3.1 by behaving inappropriately and using abusive and derogatory language towards the Clarets midfielder during the Championship match on February 15.
It was also argued that the incident constituted an “aggravated breach” as defined in FA Regulation E3.2, as it contained references to skin color and race, whether explicit or implied.
Mr. Osmadić denied the charges.
However, the Independent Regulatory Commission found the charges to be proven and handed him an immediate nine-game ban, a £21,000 fine and a compulsory education course.
The FA said the regulatory commission’s written reasons would be “published in due course”.
The 26-year-old won’t be able to play again until North End travel to Stoke on Boxing Day.
Preston said in a statement: “We deeply regret the decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission to impose a nine-match ban on Milutin Osmazdic following the incident in the league match against Burnley on 15 February 2025.
“We note that the outcome was determined on the “balance of probabilities” and not “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
“We also note that the FA has determined that this decision does not provide a moral judgment, is not premeditated and does not comment on his general character.
“Miltin has always proclaimed his innocence and will continue to do so. We continue to provide our full support to the player.”
“We are proud of our equity, diversity and inclusion policies and practices and reaffirm our opposition to all forms of discrimination.”
After the February game, Hannibal posted to X: “I will not be silent about what happened today. I will always cry racism whenever I see or hear racism. That is the only way we will change as a sport and as a society.”
“I’m a strong person, but no one should have to experience such abhorrent abuse on the pitch.”
