Striker “imitates” Suárez and bites opponent in England

Striker Osmajic attacks defender Owen Beck during English second division match

It’s hard to argue with the images: apparently, striker Milutin Osmajic bit left-back Owen Beck at the end of Sunday’s game between Preston and Blackburn Rovers, in the Championship (England’s second division). The Football Association of England (FA) is investigating the case.

The controversial incident was reminiscent of an episode that occurred during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when striker Luis Suárez, formerly of Grêmio, bit Italian defender Chiellini. Suárez was suspended for nine games for the bite.

This clash between Preston and Blackburn is considered one of the classics in the Lancashire region. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with striker Osmajic not being sent off , but receiving a yellow card. The players who received red cards were Preston attacking midfielder Greenwood, who was bitten in the first half, and full-back Owen Beck, who was shown the red card.

Beck was sent off in the 44th minute of the second half after an argument with midfielder Duane Holmes. The friction between them ended up causing a brawl with several players. It was in the middle of this that the Blackburn full-back was allegedly bitten. He tried to show the mark on his neck to referee Matt Donohue.

— Everyone is upset about it. It’s not a nice situation to be in. I’m sure people will see that and make decisions. Owen has got a big mark on his neck. He showed it to everyone, he was very disappointed to be sent off. But obviously he doesn’t like having that on his neck. It’s a serious thing, nobody likes being bitten,” said Blackburn manager John Eustace.