Preston North End's Milutin Osmajic has been issued a nine-match suspension after charges which accused him of racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri were found to be proven. Osmajic, 26, was accused of racism by Mejbri during a Championship fixture on February 15. He was charged by the FA with a breach of its rules on March 17. The FA alleged he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards an opposing player, which includes a reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race – making it an aggravated breach. Preston released a statement saying they were extremely disappointed by the decision of the regulatory commission. The Championship club added that they note the outcome was determined on the Balance of Probabilities rather than one that is Beyond Reasonable Doubt. Milutin has always pleaded his innocence of the charge and continues to do so. Preston manager Scott Parker spoke to Hannibal following the incident to establish what had happened. The game, which ended 0-0, was paused for several minutes after Osmajic appeared to say something to Mejbri, and the Burnley player reacting angrily before reporting it to referee Andrew Kitchen. Later that day, Preston rejected the accusation of racism on Osmajic’s behalf. Hannibal later posted to Instagram to say nobody should have to experience what he did. Both clubs addressed the incident with statements, with Preston indicating that Osmajic had strongly refuted the claims in a post-match meeting with match officials. The clubs met two weeks later in a FA Cup fifth-round tie, and Burnley players refused to shake Osmajic’s hand in the traditional pre-match handshakes — which Parker said he was fully supportive of. Preston won 3-0 and Osmajic celebrated his side’s second goal in front of Burnley’s travelling supporters by cupping his hands around his ears. In a similar offence in 2011, then-Liverpool forward Luis Suarez was given an eight-match ban and a fine of £40,000 after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra. Osmajic was handed an eight-match suspension and fined £15,000 last season after being found guilty of biting Blackburn's Bradley Dack. Preston's statement also reaffirmed their opposition to all forms of discrimination. The club is proud of their Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policies and practices. The FA's decision has been met with disappointment from Preston, but the club will continue to support their player. Milutin Osmajic will now miss nine matches, including key fixtures in the Championship. The ban is a significant blow to Preston, who are currently competing in the Championship. The club will have to adjust their lineup and strategy to compensate for Osmajic's absence. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about racism in football, with many players and clubs speaking out against discrimination. Preston's fans will be hoping that the club can bounce back from this setback and continue to compete at a high level.