Preston striker Milutin Osmajic has been charged with violent conduct after allegedly biting an opponent during last week’s goalless draw with Blackburn in the English Championship.
The Montenegro international is alleged to have bitten Rovers defender Owen Beck, who was sent off for kicking out at Duane Holmes in the same incident late in the second-tier game at Deepdale on Sunday.
“Milutin Osmajic has been charged following Preston North End’s EFL Championship game against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday, 22 September,” said a Football Association statement.
“It’s alleged that the forward committed an act of violent conduct by biting an opponent around the 87th minute.”
Osmajic, 25, has until Monday to provide a response.
Blackburn boss John Eustace said in his post-match press conference: “(Beck’s) got a big bite mark on the back of his neck. He’s shown all the lads. He’s a little bit quiet, a little bit shook up.”
Former Uruguay forward Luis Suarez, now of Inter Miami, served a number of bans during his career for biting incidents, including a 10-game ban when playing for Liverpool.
West Ham boss rules himself out after calf injury
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui jokingly ruled himself out of his side’s next game after ending up on crutches following their heavy League Cup loss away to Liverpool.
Football injuries are usually confined to the players, but so incensed was Loptegui by the London club’s performance during Wednesday’s thumping 5-1 defeat, he hurt his calf as he jumped in frustration.
The Spaniard hobbled around West Ham’s training ground on Thursday and could still be using crutches for the Premier League match at London rivals Brentford on Saturday.
“I can’t play in this match, for sure,” Lopetegui joked. “I have a little injury in my calf. But it’s not important. I don’t play so it’s not important.”
The former Spain and Real Madrid boss, who replaced David Moyes at West Ham, is under increasing pressure just months into his new job after a poor start to the season.
The club are 14th in the Premier League table after just one win in their first five matches.
“We know we have to improve,” said Lopetegui, who will be without Edson Alvarez against Brentford following the midfielder’s red card on Wednesday.
“We are just starting. The demand is high. The Premier League is going to be long for all of us and these players are going to improve. I am sure of this.
“It’s true we need one win and we want to win the next match. The next challenge is Brentford. A very good team, a very complete team. Very strong away and especially at home.”
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