EFL striker handed eight-match ban for biting rival

Preston striker Milutin Osmajic has been handed an eight-match ban for biting Blackburn defender Owen Beck during the two sides' Championship clash in September

Preston's Milutin Osmajic has been handed an eight-match ban for biting an opponent. The 25 year old bit Liverpool defender Owen Beck, who is currently on loan at Blackburn Rovers.

Beck was sent off in the 87th minute for kicking out at Duane Holmes, which sparked a confrontation, while Osmajic escaped punishment during the match. The Montenegrin striker had initially been fouled by Todd Cantwell, and Beck caught Holmes when attempting to clear the ball.

Osmajic then got up and grabbed Beck under the arms before appearing to make contact with his opponent's neck with his face. Beck was seen telling referee Matthew Donohue 'he bit me'.

Following an investigation, Osmajic has now received his punishment in the form of a ban and a fine. Luis Suarez received a 10-match ban when he bit Branislav Ivanovic in April 2014 while playing for Liverpool against Chelsea.

On that occasion, Suarez claimed he did not warrant more than a three-match ban for violent conduct. The FA stated: "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," reports the Mirror.

"An independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing. Its written reasons will be published in due course."

Preston North End have confirmed the suspension and fine of the striker, following the outcome from an independent Regulatory Commission. The statement read: "We acknowledge the decision of an independent Regulatory Commission to give Milutin Osmajić an eight-match suspension and fine the striker £15,000."

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