The Football Association has launched a formal investigation into a shocking incident during Sunday’s heated Championship Lancashire derby between Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers, where Preston’s Milutin Osmajic allegedly bit Blackburn defender Owen Beck during a second-half melee.
The match, which ended in a 0-0 draw, was marred by two red cards and multiple contentious moments, but the alleged biting incident has dominated post-match discussions. Beck, on loan from Liverpool, had already been sent off in the 89th minute for kicking out at Preston’s Duane Holmes when he made the extraordinary claim to officials that Osmajic had bitten him on the upper back during the ensuing confrontation.
The Incident That Shook Deepdale
The dramatic finale unfolded in the closing minutes of what had been a fiercely contested local derby. Following Beck’s dismissal for his challenge on Holmes, players from both teams rushed to the scene, resulting in a heated confrontation. Television footage appears to show Beck remonstrating with officials while indicating his upper back area, allegedly showing marks consistent with a bite.
Blackburn manager John Eustace didn’t mince words in his post-match assessment: “You could see from the television pictures that their player took a big chunk out of his neck. That’s part of being in a derby, I suppose,” though his tone suggested anything but acceptance of such behavior.
Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom offered a more cautious perspective: “We’ll have to wait and see what happens regarding whether there was a bite or not. We don’t want biting on a football pitch. We know that’s not allowed, so that’s an easy one to address.”
Match Overview: Red Cards and Missed Opportunities
The game itself proved to be a feisty affair from the opening whistle, with both teams showing the intensity expected of a local rivalry. The first major incident occurred in the 42nd minute when Blackburn’s Sam Greenwood, on loan from Leeds United, was shown a straight red card for a reckless two-footed lunge on Preston’s Lewis Baker.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Blackburn created the better chances before halftime. Ryan Hedges tested Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman with a powerful drive from outside the box, and Tyrhys Dolan rattled the post with the follow-up effort.
Preston grew into the game after the break, with Aynsley Pears in the Blackburn goal forced into excellent saves from Brad Potts and Andrew Hughes. The home side continued to press despite their numerical disadvantage, but the game seemed destined for a goalless draw until the dramatic late incident that has now prompted an FA investigation.
Historical Context and Potential Consequences
Biting incidents in football remain rare but carry significant consequences. The most high-profile cases involve Luis Suárez, who received lengthy bans for biting opponents during his time with Liverpool and Barcelona. The FA typically takes a dim view of such behavior, with potential suspensions ranging from several matches to more severe penalties depending on the severity of the incident and any previous disciplinary record.
According to Crickex football analyst Mark Thompson: “The FA’s disciplinary panel will review all available footage and statements from match officials before making a determination. If proven, this type of offense typically results in a substantial ban, likely in the range of 6-12 matches given historical precedents.”
What Comes Next for Both Clubs
For Blackburn, the immediate concern is the suspension of Beck, which will leave them without the services of the promising Liverpool loanee for their upcoming fixtures. Eustace indicated that the club would assess their options regarding a potential appeal once the initial emotions of the match subsided.
Preston now faces an anxious wait to learn whether Osmajic will face additional punishment beyond any potential red card that might be issued retrospectively. The Montenegrin striker has been an important part of Heckingbottom’s attacking options this season, and a lengthy suspension would represent a significant blow to their Championship campaign.
Crickex will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as the FA investigation progresses. The governing body is expected to make a decision in the coming days after reviewing all available evidence, including referee reports, television footage, and statements from both clubs.
FA Investigates Alleged Biting Incident in Fiery Lancashire Derby
The Championship continues to deliver drama both on and off the pitch, with this latest incident at Deepdale sure to dominate discussions throughout the week. As the FA conducts its investigation, both Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers must regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures, though the fallout from this controversial derby match is likely to continue for some time.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Do you believe the FA should come down hard on any player found guilty of biting? Share your opinions in the comments below and follow Crickex for all the latest updates on this story and comprehensive coverage of the Championship season.
