Update drops on Milutin Osmajic situation after Preston v Burnley controversy involving Hannibal | OneFootball

The Montenegro international was charged by the FA after allegedly racially abusing the Tunisian midfielder

An update has been dropped regarding the outcome of Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic's disciplinary hearing involving Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri.

This comes after the Montenegro international was charged by the FA after allegedly racially abusing Hannibal during their Championship clash in February.

Osmajic has been the subject of intense scrutiny since the controversial incident at Deepdale on February 15, when ex-Man United midfielder Hannibal accused him of making racist comments during what ended as a goalless draw between the Lancashire rivals.

Preston have backed their record signing throughout the lengthy investigation process, and the striker has consistently denied the allegations.

Development emerges from Milutin Osmajic's hearing involving Hannibal

According to journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon, Osmajic appeared before the EFL-backed inquiry this week, some seven months after the incident occurred - but will have to endure further uncertainty.

Nixon states that, rather than reaching an immediate conclusion, the panel has chosen to consider the evidence at length - with a decision now not expected until next week at the earliest.

The hearing began on September 23, and was expected to last several days, is the result of a seven-month investigation that has certainly cast a shadow over both Osmajic and Preston.

The striker defended himself against the accusations during the proceedings, as per Nixon's Patreon, maintaining his innocence regarding the alleged use of racist language toward the Tunisia international.

This latest delay adds to what has already been a prolonged case by FA standards.

The charges were initially brought in March, with the FA alleging that Osmajic acted "in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards an opposing player" in what constituted an "aggravated breach" due to its alleged reference "to colour and/or race".

What could happen if Milutin Osmajic is found guilty

The case has already had ramifications beyond the hearing room.

When the two sides met again in the FA Cup fifth round in March, Burnley players refused to shake hands with Osmajic pre-match - while manager Scott Parker chose to exclude Hannibal from the squad entirely.

Osmajic's response to score Preston's second goal in their 3-0 victory that afternoon, celebrating by cupping his ears toward the taunting Burnley fans, only inflamed tensions.

For Burnley and Hannibal, the prolonged wait has meant living with the uncertainty of an unresolved allegation of racial abuse.

The former Manchester United midfielder has received widespread support from his club and teammates, with Parker describing him as "hurt" and "visibly very distressed" by the incident.

In 2019, the FA introduced mandatory six-game bans for racism offences.

So, should Osmajic be found guilty, he could face a lengthy suspension that would undoubtedly impact Preston's season. However, the exact punishment would obviously depend on the panel's deliberations.