Rivalry matches can bring out the best in teams, but sometimes, it can also bring out the worst. What Preston North End vs. Blackburn Rovers lacked in goals, it made up for in red cards and a potential biting incident. In the 89th minute of play, Preston striker Milutin Osmajic got into a clash with Blackburn left back Owen Beck. Beck was red-carded for the challenge but after, Osmajic appeared to bite the back of Beck’s neck.
Osmajic was yellow-carded for his conduct but if the incident is proven to be a bite, he could be in line for a ban from the Football Association, which is investigating, according to reports.
“He went to clear the ball and caught the lad, but he’s got a big bite mark on the back of his neck. It’s a shame the referee didn’t see that,” Blackburn manager Eustace said. “He’s shown all the lads. He’s very disappointed to be sent off, but obviously he doesn’t want to have that on the back of his neck as well. He’s a little bit quiet, a little bit shook up.”
Luis Suarez was banned for four months by FIFA for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup, but for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, the Uruguan was given a 10-match ban from Premier League games. Further down the pyramid, Dagenham & Redbridge midfielder Joss Labadie was banned for six months by the FA for biting another player showing that there is quite a range for what can happen to Osmajic if found to have bitten Beck.
“All I can say is that there’s no place for [biting],” Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom said. “Mistimed tackles, things like that are part and parcel of the game, you accept them, anything that is not has to be dealt with.”
Both teams finished with 10 men during the heated match while tensions were high, but there could be more coming once the FA has a chance to review the incident.
