In a recent scoreless Lancashire derby between Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End, young Liverpool loanee Owen Beck found himself at the center of a controversial event. Currently playing for Blackburn, Beck received a red card after an incident involving Preston striker Milutin Osmajic. The situation escalated when Beck reacted to being bitten by Osmajic, a detail overlooked by the officials.
Blackburn’s manager, John Eustace, discussed the incident during an interview with BBC Radio Lancashire, voicing his disappointment over the decision to expel Beck. He highlighted a noticeable bite mark on the back of Beck’s neck that the referee failed to see. “Owen has a noticeable bite mark on the back of his neck, and it’s unfortunate the referee missed it,” Eustace noted, according to BBC Sport. Consequently, Beck will miss three matches due to the automatic suspension following a red card.
This incident has drawn comparisons to former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who faced similar controversy in April 2013 when he bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League match, an act that was widely condemned. Suarez received a 10-game ban from the Football Association (FA) for his actions, establishing a precedent for handling biting incidents in English football.
In Beck’s situation, the FA is likely to review the footage of the clash with Osmajic to assess whether any further action should be taken. Although Beck was penalized with a red card at the time, the FA might reduce or rescind his three-match suspension if they determine that his reaction stemmed from being bitten. Conversely, Osmajic could face consequences if the FA concludes that he indeed bit Beck. If proven, he could receive a significant suspension similar to Suarez’s punishment.
The incident has attracted considerable attention, with many eagerly anticipating the FA’s decision regarding potential further action. Should the footage clearly depict Osmajic biting Beck, the FA may impose a severe penalty, while Beck could be exonerated for his response to the alleged provocation.
