Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 14, 2024 4:56 am GMT
Blackburn’s Owen Beck Allegedly Bitten in Derby Clash with Preston
In a shocking turn of events during the recent Lancashire derby, Blackburn Rovers’ Owen Beck has alleged that he was bitten by Preston North End forward Milutin Osmajic. The incident, described as “serious” by Blackburn’s manager John Eustace, occurred in the aftermath of Beck’s red card in a tense match that ended in a 0-0 draw.
Both teams had already faced moments of controversy, with the match reaching a boiling point when Beck, who is on loan from Liverpool, was sent off in the closing minutes after a foul on Preston’s Duane Holmes. Beck’s reaction to Osmajic’s alleged bite added to the intensity of the encounter.
Serious Allegations and Manager Reactions
Following the incident, Eustace expressed his disappointment that the referee did not witness the alleged bite, stating, “Owen’s got a big bite mark on the back of his neck, and it’s a shame the referee didn’t see that.” Players from both teams were embroiled in a heated melee after Beck’s sending-off, with video replays indicating that Osmajic may have bitten Beck’s upper back.
Eustace elaborated on the situation, saying, “It’s a very serious incident, no one likes to be bitten. Everyone’s angry about it. I’m sure the right people will see it, and we’ll take it from there.” Such actions raise questions about player conduct and the boundaries of acceptable behavior on the pitch.
Preston’s manager, Paul Heckingbottom, also condemned the alleged biting, saying, “All I can say is that there’s no place for that. Mistimed tackles and things like that are part and parcel of the game, you accept them. But anything that’s not, we know how that’s dealt with.”
### A Long Road Ahead for the Players
The incident has raised concerns about potential disciplinary actions. The Football Association (FA) has confirmed it is investigating the matter, which could result in Osmajic facing a lengthy ban. The incident brings to mind past cases in football where biting has led to severe penalties. For instance, Luis Suarez was banned for ten matches in 2013 after similar actions during a match against Chelsea.
As both teams ended the match with ten players, the heated atmosphere and rivalry intensified focus on the nature of physicality in football. Eustace remarked on the derby’s intensity, saying, “It’s local derby, there’s blood and thunder and bodies on the line.”
### The Stakes in the Championship
Matches in the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football, often carry significant weight, with teams vying for promotion to the Premier League. The rivalry between Blackburn and Preston added extra incentive for the players to exhibit passion, sometimes leading to reckless behavior.
“Those are the challenges you expect to see in a local derby,” Eustace noted, reflecting on the difficult circumstances surrounding competitive matches. Another player, Preston’s Sam Greenwood, was also sent off earlier in the first half for a foul on Blackburn’s Lewis Baker, further intensifying the atmosphere.
### Conclusion
The incident involving Owen Beck and Milutin Osmajic underscores the need for sportsmanship and respect in competitive sports. As the FA conducts its review, players and fans alike remain concerned about what this means for the integrity of the game. With potential repercussions looming for Osmajic, it is a pivotal moment in both their careers and the Championship season overall.
After this intense match, we are left wondering what will happen next. Will the FA make a strong decision? How will the teams deal with the feelings that come after something like this? One thing is for sure: what happened on Sunday has really stuck with the players, coaches, and fans.
