Preston's Osmajic charged after Hannibal allegations

Preston striker Milutin Osmajic has been charged by the Football Association after being accused of racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri.

The FA has been investigating the incident which is alleged to have happened during the 0-0 draw at Deepdale last month.

It has now charged Osmajic and the Montenegrin has until 25 March to respond.

A statement read: "It's alleged that the forward acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards an opposing player contrary to FA Rule E3.1."

It was further alleged it constituted an "aggravated breach" as it includes "a reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race".

The Championship match was delayed for several minutes in the second half when the Tunisian reacted furiously to something which appeared to be said to him by Osmajic and Hannibal then spoke at length to referee Andrew Kitchen.

Osmajic, 25, "strongly refuted" the allegations.

The teams faced each other in the FA Cup fifth round two weeks later with Preston winning 3-0.

The Burnley players declined to shake hands with Osmajic before the game, with Hannibal left out by boss Scott Parker.

Osmajic scored the hosts' second goal.

Parker said at the time: "It has been a tough decision and we come here a bit weakened today because Hannibal is a vitally important member of this squad, and I felt it was the best decision for Hannibal.

"I wouldn't want to put him in a situation here, so we have made the decision for the best for Hannibal. That is why he is not in the matchday squad."

In a post on Instagram after the first game, the former Manchester United player wrote: "I will not be silent about what happened today. I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it.

"That is the only way we change as a sport and a society. I am a strong person but nobody should have to experience this disgusting abuse on the pitch."

In October, Osmajic was banned for eight games by the FA for biting Blackburn's Owen Beck. He admitted the charge of violent conduct and was fined £15,000.