Milutin Osmajic Faces Suspension After Latest Red Card Incident

Milutin Osmajic, a forward for Preston North End, has been handed another suspension following a headbutt on Hull City's John Lundstram during a Championship match on January 20, 2026. The incident occurred in stoppage time of a match that ended in a 3-0 defeat for Preston. Osmajic's actions, which included shoving Lundstram before the headbutt, led to a straight red card from referee Stephen Martin, marking a continuation of his troubling disciplinary record.

England's worst-behaved footballer HEADBUTTS opponent - just after he returned from nine-match racial abuse ban - as his own manager calls him 'totally unacceptable'Disgraced Championship footballer headbutts player just days after returning from racial abuse banMilutin Osmajic: Preston striker’s suspension tally reaches 20 games after ‘unacceptable’ headbuttPreston’s Milutin Osmajic adds headbutt to biting and racism offencesPreston boss Paul Heckingbottom fumes at Milutin Osmajic’s latest controversy

Osmajic's latest red card adds to a series of suspensions that have plagued his time at Preston. Previously, he received an eight-match ban for biting Blackburn Rovers' Owen Beck in October 2024, and a nine-match suspension for racially abusing Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri in February 2025. The latter incident involved allegations that Osmajic used racially charged language, which he denied, claiming he had said, “F* you, f* you bad man.” However, a regulatory commission found the evidence against him compelling, resulting in a £21,000 fine and mandatory education course.

Milutin Osmajic: Preston striker’s suspension tally reaches 20 games after ‘unacceptable’ headbuttEngland's worst-behaved footballer HEADBUTTS opponent - just after he returned from nine-match racial abuse ban - as his own manager calls him 'totally unacceptable'Disgraced Championship footballer headbutts player just days after returning from racial abuse banMilutin Osmajic: Preston North End forward showed 'unacceptable' lack of disciplinePreston’s Milutin Osmajic adds headbutt to biting and racism offences

Preston's manager, Paul Heckingbottom, has expressed strong disapproval of Osmajic's behavior, labeling it “totally unacceptable.” He emphasized the need for professionalism among players, stating, “There’s a way to act as a professional footballer.” Heckingbottom noted that if Osmajic receives a three-match ban for the headbutt, it would total 20 games missed due to suspensions over the past two seasons. He remarked, “They are different issues, don’t get me wrong, but getting sent off for a tackle for the team is a lot different.”

England's worst-behaved footballer HEADBUTTS opponent - just after he returned from nine-match racial abuse ban - as his own manager calls him 'totally unacceptable'Disgraced Championship footballer headbutts player just days after returning from racial abuse banMilutin Osmajic: Preston North End forward showed 'unacceptable' lack of disciplineMilutin Osmajic: Preston striker’s suspension tally reaches 20 games after ‘unacceptable’ headbuttPreston boss Paul Heckingbottom fumes at Milutin Osmajic’s latest controversy

Osmajic's absence is expected to be felt in upcoming matches, particularly against promotion contenders Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough. Preston currently sits in sixth place in the Championship, but the recent loss to Hull has raised concerns about their promotion ambitions. Heckingbottom expressed disappointment not only in Osmajic's actions but also in the overall performance of the team, stating, “I didn’t really enjoy watching us... We were outfought.”

Disgraced Championship footballer headbutts player just days after returning from racial abuse ban

Critics have pointed to Osmajic's repeated disciplinary issues as indicative of a deeper problem within his approach to the game. Despite his talent—having scored 28 goals in 96 appearances since joining Preston in 2023—his inability to maintain discipline has led to significant setbacks for both him and the team.

Disgraced Championship footballer headbutts player just days after returning from racial abuse ban

Osmajic is set to miss crucial fixtures as he serves his suspension. The club's management will need to address not only his behavior but also how to maintain team cohesion and performance in his absence. As Preston navigates the remainder of the season, the focus will be on both improving discipline and securing a playoff position in the Championship.

England's worst-behaved footballer HEADBUTTS opponent - just after he returned from nine-match racial abuse ban - as his own manager calls him 'totally unacceptable'

• “A lack of discipline is totally unacceptable.” — Paul Heckingbottom, Manager of Preston North End

Milutin Osmajic: Preston North End forward showed 'unacceptable' lack of discipline

• “' 'He has not learned his lesson.” — Paul Heckingbottom, Manager of Preston North End

England's worst-behaved footballer HEADBUTTS opponent - just after he returned from nine-match racial abuse ban - as his own manager calls him 'totally unacceptable'

• “'In terms of other things, the word professional, we are professional people and footballers, there is a way to act.” — Paul Heckingbottom, Manager of Preston North End

England's worst-behaved footballer HEADBUTTS opponent - just after he returned from nine-match racial abuse ban - as his own manager calls him 'totally unacceptable'