Milutin Osmajic Receives One of EFL's Longest-Ever Bans For Hannibal Incident

Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic has been banned by the FA after he was charged over an alleged racist remark towards Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri.

The alleged incident occurred during North End's 0-0 draw with Burnley at Deepdale in February 2025.

The FA launched an investigation into the incident, which briefly caused the game to be stopped, and subsequently charged Osmajic with two alleged breaches of their regulations.

The Montenegro striker, who has scored four Championship goals this season, was charged with breaches of FA Rule E3.1 - acting in an improper manner and/or using abusive and/or insulting words - and an 'aggravated breach', defined in FA Rule 3.2 as including a reference - whether express or implied - to colour and/or race. Osmajic 'strongly refuted' and denied the charges.

After an over eight-month long investigation by an independent commission, which included a private hearing held in September, the commission have found that the charge against Osmajic was proven.

He has been given a nine-match ban, as well as a £21,000 fine. The 26-year-old will also undertake a mandatory education course.

The FA's statement reads: "An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Preston North End FC’s Milutin Osmajić for a proven breach of FA Rule E3.

"It was alleged that the forward had breached FA Rule E3.1 by acting in an improper manner and/or using abusive and/or insulting words towards a Burnley FC player during their EFL Championship fixture on Saturday 15 February.

"It was also alleged that this matter constitutes an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as the words included a reference – whether express or implied – to colour and/or race.

Image: Twitter/@FAspokesperson

"Milutin Osmajić denied the charge against him, which the Regulatory Commission found to be proven, and it has imposed an immediate nine-match suspension, £21,000 fine and mandatory education course.

"The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course."

Osmajic will be eligible to return when North End take on Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground on December 29.

PNE release statement

In response to the verdict, Preston North End have stated that they are 'extremely disappointed' with the decision to sanction Osmajic.

They add: "We note that the outcome was determined on the 'Balance of Probabilities' rather than one that is 'Beyond Reasonable Doubt'.

"We also note that the FA determined that the decision offers no moral judgment, was not premeditated nor any comment about his general character.

"Milutin has always pleaded his innocence of the charge and continues to do so. We continue to be fully supportive of our player."

Burnley and Hannibal are yet to comment.

What are the longest EFL bans?

Prior to the formation of the Premier League in 1992, the Football League administered the entirety of English league football.

The 22-club breakaway to form the new top flight meant that only the second, third and fourth divisions were ran by the Football League from then onwards.

Among the biggest bans received since then include a six-month suspension awarded to Dagenham & Redbridge midfielder Joss Labadie, who was found guilty of biting an opponent in 2015.

Earlier this year, Tranmere midfielder Sam Finley was banned for 13 matches after he admitted making a homophobic slur towards an opponent during a match.

He ultimately missed five months of action, as he was banned in April and was unable to play again until the beginning of October.

In October, AFC Wimbledon forward Osman Foyo was banned for five months over betting rule breaches.

And Osmajic himself was given an eight-match ban in 2024 for violent conduct after biting Blackburn defender Owen Beck.

None of those bans, though, rival the longest ban ever given out in English football history.

Several players have been banned for life for match-fixing, while former Manchester United star Enoch West was banned in 1915 before having his suspension lifted a staggering 30 years later.