Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic has been handed a nine-match ban and a £21,000 fine after being found guilty of racially abusing Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri during a Championship match in February 2025. The English Football Association (FA) confirmed the ban on Friday, November 7, 2025, following an eight-month investigation.

The incident occurred during Preston's 0-0 draw against Burnley at Deepdale. The FA stated that an independent commission determined Osmajic used abusive words towards Mejbri that included a reference, whether express or implied, to color and/or race. The match was briefly stopped in the second half due to the incident.

Osmajic was charged with breaches of FA Rule E3.1, for acting in an improper manner and/or using abusive and/or insulting words, and an aggravated breach as defined in FA Rule 3.2. Despite Osmajic's denial of the charges, the independent regulatory commission found the allegations proven on a "balance of probabilities" after a private hearing in September.

In addition to the ban and fine, Osmajic is mandated to attend an education course. He will be out of action until December 29, when Preston faces Wrexham.

Following the February match, Burnley players refused to shake hands with Osmajic in solidarity with Mejbri during an FA Cup match a few weeks later. Mejbri stated that he received "disgusting" racial abuse from Osmajic. Mejbri also posted a statement on Instagram accusing Osmajic of racist abuse, stating that he will always call out racism.

Preston North End has expressed their disappointment with the decision and continues to support Osmajic, who maintains his innocence. The club noted that the outcome was determined on the 'balance of probabilities' rather than 'beyond reasonable doubt'. They also highlighted the FA's determination that the decision offers no moral judgement and was not premeditated.