Preston North End forward Milutin Osmajic has been given an eight-match suspension and fined £15,000 for biting Blackburn Rovers left-back Owen Beck during a Championship match. The incident occurred in the 87th minute of the game between the two Lancashire clubs on September 22. Osmajic, 25, who had been fouled by Todd Cantwell to win the initial free kick, rose to his feet and grabbed Beck under each arm before appearing to make contact with the back of the defender’s neck with his face. Blackburn head coach John Eustace said Osmajic had “taken a big chunk out of his neck” while Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom claimed after the game that he had not seen the incident. Preston — who are 21st in the Championship, one place above the relegation zone — will be without Osmajic for the next eight matches. Milutin Osmajic has scored two goals, both in the midweek win at home against Watford, in seven Championship matches this season. The suspension will keep Osmajic out of action until the match at home to Derby County on November 23. Osmajic’s absence will be a significant blow to Preston, who are struggling to find consistency in the Championship. The club will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by Osmajic’s suspension. The incident has sparked a lot of debate, with many calling for stricter punishments for players who engage in violent behavior on the pitch. The FA’s decision to ban Osmajic for eight matches sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated. Preston will have to regroup and focus on their next match, without the services of their suspended forward.