Preston North End chief says when Milutin Osmajic will finally have FA hearing over Hannibal Mejbri incident

Add as preferred source on Google

Preston North End have spent the last few months waiting for the conclusion of the FA’s investigation into Milutin Osmajic.

Back in February, it was alleged by Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri that the Lilywhites’ striker had racially abused him during a Lancashire derby in a 0-0 draw in the Championship at Deepdale last season.

Hannibal spoke out about the incident on social media, and while the Preston striker has been charged for breaching FA Rule E3, there has been a long wait for a conclusion to the situation.

However, after a five-month wait, Peter Risdale has confirmed that a hearing will take place.

• READ MORE – Hull City want to rescue former Sheffield United ace from Turkey, there are ‘personal issues’ to overcome

Peter Risdale confirms an FA hearing for Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic

Osmajic was given until 25 March to respond to the initial charge, with that deadline later extended to 2 April as he was being treated for an injury by a specialist at the time. Risdale later confirmed that Preston and the player had responded.

Now, the North End chief has explained when a hearing will take place. He said: “Yeah, there will be a hearing. And we are in a situation where clearly, we know what the evidence is and isn’t. And, you know, when the hearing takes place will be after the season starts. We’ll then find out what the implications are.

“I think what’s frustrating in life is that, first of all, when you face anything, the one thing you don’t like is uncertainty, whatever it is you’re facing. The fact is that we’re sitting here with something that will eventually have an outcome.

“And by the time that outcome comes, it’s seven or eight months after the incident took place. You can’t plan for anything on that basis, so what we would prefer is not to have the problem in the first place.”

The Preston director continued: “If you’ve got the problem, you’d prefer it to be settled sooner rather than later. And to sit here looking forward another two months, at least, before this thing can be resolved is frustrating. But in the meantime, we just have to get on with it.”

• READ MORE – Why Birmingham City retired the number 22 shirt for Jude Bellingham after just 44 appearances

Milutin Osmajic appears to have a future at Deepdale still

Preston have signed Michael Smith, with the striker having left Sheffield Wednesday as a free agent amid their financial problems.

Despite this, Risdale has confirmed that Osmajic still has a future at the club and he will not be sold this summer.

However, a strong offer could see Preston relinquish their hold on their top scorer from last season as Paul Heckingbottom’s side look to avoid relegation to League One following a difficult campaign in 2024/25.

Nevertheless, it could still be a couple of months until we see a resolution to the situation involving Hannibal and Osmajic.