Preston star handed huge ban for biting Wales and Liverpool defender during match

The incident happened during Preston's match with Blackburn last month

Preston North End forward Milutin Osmajic has been handed an eight-match ban for biting Welsh defender Owen Beck.

The incident occurred in the closing stages of last month's goalless Championship clash between Preston and Blackburn Rovers, after Liverpool loanee Beck was sent off in the 87th minute for kicking out at Duane Holmes.

In the confrontation that followed, Osmajic - who had initially been fouled by Rovers' Todd Cantwell - grabbed Beck under the arms before appearing to make contact with his opponent's neck with his face. The Wales U21 international was seen telling referee Matthew Donohue 'he bit me', but Osmajic escaped punishment during the game while Beck was given his marching orders.

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However, the Montenegro striker has now received a lengthy ban and a fine after admitting a charge of violent conduct.

A statement from the FA, issued on Friday, read: "Preston North End's Milutin Osmajic has been given an eight-match suspension and £15,000 fine for misconduct during their match against Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship on Sunday 22 September.

"The forward admitted that he committed an act of violent conduct around the 87th minute by biting an opponent. An independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing. Its written reasons will be published in due course."

Osmajic had been under investigation following the incident but was allowed to keep playing and scored twice in Preston's 3-0 win over Watford on Wednesday. His manager Paul Heckingbottom was clear that he would "not punish him twice" as he said it was "the right call" to play him against the Hornets.

"He scored goals for us in the cup, played well again against Fulham and deserved his opportunity," he said. "I'm not going to punish him twice, me twice, the club twice, the fans twice. We'll wait and see what the governing body does, and how we deal with that, and that process is ongoing.

"He deserved his chance. We don't know the outcome, but he's probably not going to be available at the weekend. It would have been the same decision anyway, but with the quick turnaround and the probability he will be missing, it just means it makes sense to not put anyone else in the firing line, and luckily it was the right call tonight."