Blackburn Rovers 'assisting' FA after enquiry over Preston North End 'bite' allegations
PNE’s striker allegedly bit the Blackburn Rovers defender
Blackburn Rovers are assisting the Football Association with their investigation into Milutin Osmajic’s alleged bite on Owen Beck, according to reports.
The Lancashire Telegraph state that Rovers have been asked, by the FA, to provide their observations of Sunday’s incident. Blackburn are said to be ‘assisting with their enquiries’, with the relevant information to be provided over the next 24 hours.
In the 89th minute of Sunday’s Lancashire derby at Deepdale, Liverpool loan man Beck was sent off for a late foul on Duane Holmes. TV replays showed, in the aftermath of that challenge, Osmajic approaching the defender and pushing his face into the back of the defender’s head.
The LT report that Beck spoke to match officials post-game, with the Sky Sports cameras having captured him speaking to the linesman during the contest. Osmajic was booked at the time, while Beck was shown a straight red card.
The Montenegro international, who signed for Preston last summer - for a club record fee from Cadiz - has been the subject of debate on Sky Sports - and in the national media. Former Premier League referee, Dermot Gallagher, expects a ‘lengthy ban’ if the bite can be proven.
PNE boss Paul Heckingbottom was relatively coy on the matter, but assured he did not condone the alleged behaviour. Blackburn manager, John Eustace, said his player had a ‘big bite mark’ as a result and described the incident as ‘very serious’.