Montenegrin footballer Milutin Osmajić is once again in the spotlight on the Island.
Burnley player Hannibal Mezhbri accused Osmajic of racist abuse during the Championship match between Preston and Burnley (0:0), played on Saturday at Deepdale.
The English media has given this incident a lot of attention, the FA is investigating the incident, and Osmajić has also spoken out, denying in a statement provided to "Vijesti" that he insulted the Burnley player.
"Despite the disagreements between the two of us, I was surprised that he accused me of racism, because it has nothing to do with our misunderstanding. My actions on and off the field, where I socialize and cooperate with people of all faiths and nations, speak as proof that I am not a racist. For example, my reaction that preceded the suspension, when I reacted harshly, when I stood up for my teammate Holmes - I ask you, would a racist do that? Well, the countries in which I played - Spain, Turkey, Portugal, and there I played and socialized with people of all nations," Osmajić said.
Holmes also came to Osmajić's defense, posting a photo of him being helped while lying on the grass, with a man from Nikšić next to him, offering him support: "I lay on the field for five minutes and you didn't leave me. A true friend. Someone who is racist wouldn't do that," Holmes sent a message of support to Osmajić.
"Therefore, I have no choice but to conclude that Hanibal deliberately and consciously caused this incident, which can be seen in the video, where he pushes me from behind, while I was without the ball. He visibly and rudely laughed in my face and on that occasion provoked my reaction, when I said something to him that had nothing to do with racism, which as a man who tells lies at that moment, he deserved. Now it is clear that without a final conclusion he is using the media and social networks to vilify me in advance, which he failed to achieve on the field as a true professional. If he accused me of hitting, well, come on, but it has nothing to do with racism," said Osmajić.
Osmajić said that he is not a racist and that he has friends of all religions and nationalities.
"The country where I come from, as well as its inhabitants, is considered to be traditionally hospitable and multi-ethnic, with multiple religions and nations, where there is no racism, and in that spirit we live together in the same environments. I am known for reacting quickly to some provocations, but I reiterate that I strictly reject the false accusations of Hannibal, who many media outlets and people know has previously tried to gain public attention in the same way as he is now. I know that racist is a difficult word. And I know that anyone who utters it and is found guilty is finished with sports. And I am not so crazy as to lose my career because of this. Once again, I am not a racist and I have many friends who are of all religions and nations. And therefore I strictly reject the false accusations," said Milutin Osmajić.
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