Preston Forward Issues Grovelling Apology After Headbutt Incident
Preston North End striker Milutin Osmajic has broken his silence with a heartfelt public apology following his midweek dismissal for headbutting Hull City's John Lundstram. The Montenegrin international was shown a straight red card in the closing stages of his side's 3-0 defeat at the MKM Stadium, triggering an automatic three-match suspension.
Disciplinary Record Reaches Alarming Milestone
This latest indiscretion marks a concerning pattern in Osmajic's time at Deepdale, with the forward now set to have missed a staggering 20 games through suspension in just 16 months. His disciplinary troubles began with an eight-match ban for biting Blackburn Rovers defender Owen Beck, followed by a nine-game suspension for allegedly racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom expressed his frustration, stating: "A lack of discipline is totally unacceptable. In my time here, if he gets three games for that, that will be 20 games missed. They are different issues, don't get me wrong, but being sent off for a tackle and helping the team is a lot different."
Emotional Instagram Statement
Taking to social media several days after the incident, the 26-year-old forward posted an extensive apology to his Instagram followers. Osmajic wrote: "I am here because I want to say sorry to everyone for my actions in the game against Hull on Tuesday night. One bad decision and moment of stupidity led to me being sent off and I am incredibly angry with myself for this."
He continued: "Emotions got the better of me in the moment, and I let the manager, my teammates and the fans down. I know I have to control myself better in these situations. I am disappointed to now be missing three matches through suspension when all I want to do is score goals and help the team to win matches."
Promotion Ambitions Affected
The timing of the suspension proves particularly costly for Preston's promotion aspirations, with Osmajic set to miss crucial fixtures against promotion-chasing Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town, plus a home encounter with Portsmouth. The forward acknowledged this in his statement, saying: "We have had a very good season so far and I want to contribute to helping the team to be successful. I would love nothing more than to help this team win promotion to the Premier League."
Since joining from Spanish side Cadiz in 2023, Osmajic has made 91 appearances for Preston, scoring 28 goals including five this season. His absence will be keenly felt by a side pushing for Championship promotion, with his goal-scoring ability proving valuable throughout the campaign.
The forward concluded his apology by addressing the Preston faithful directly: "I have a great relationship with all the North Enders, and I wish for that to continue. I love all the PNE fans, and I love this club. Once again, I am very sorry for my actions. Milly."
This incident raises serious questions about Osmajic's temperament and future discipline, with the player now facing increased scrutiny from both management and supporters as Preston navigate the crucial final months of their Championship campaign.
