BREAKING: Liverpool defender set to miss next three matches after being involved in ‘very serious incident’

Owen Beck, on loan from Liverpool, became the focal point of a controversial incident during Blackburn Rovers’ recent 1-1 draw with Preston North End. The dramatic match at Deepdale concluded with Beck seemingly bitten by Preston forward Milutin Osmajic in the closing moments of the heated Lancashire derby. This unexpected event has overshadowed the match, leaving fans, players, and officials stunned.

Beck, who has quickly become a key player for Blackburn since joining the Championship club for the season, was making his third consecutive start. The young left-back has impressed with his performances, aiding Blackburn’s campaign. However, his strong showing on Sunday was overshadowed by a series of events beginning with a confrontation involving Preston’s Duane Holmes.

In the final moments of the match, Beck was involved in an altercation with Holmes that escalated into a melee between both teams. Amid the chaos, Beck received a red card for his involvement, which seemed to arise from his attempt to clear the ball. As he prepared to exit the pitch, television replays revealed something far more alarming: Osmajic appeared to have bitten him during the incident.

The occurrence has sparked widespread outrage, with many urging the FA to act quickly. Beck will now serve a three-match suspension due to his red card, while attention has shifted to the possible consequences for Osmajic, whose actions could lead to a lengthy ban. The FA is expected to review the footage carefully, and Osmajic could face severe penalties if found guilty of such unsportsmanlike behavior.

John Eustace, the Blackburn Rovers manager, expressed his concern regarding the situation when he spoke to Sky Sports after the match. He acknowledged the intensity of local derbies but emphasized the seriousness of the incident. “Emotions run high in these kinds of games, but what we saw today crossed the line,” Eustace stated. “You can see from the television images that there’s a clear bite mark on Owen’s neck. It’s just unacceptable behavior, even in the heat of a derby.”

Eustace explained that Beck was sent off for his challenge on Holmes, which he described as an unfortunate miscalculation. “Owen tried to kick the ball away, and the other lad [Holmes] exaggerated it,” Eustace noted. “It’s a tough call, and we’re really disappointed to lose him for three games. But what’s more concerning is what happened afterward.” He also shared his worries for Beck’s well-being following the incident. “He’s understandably shaken up. He’s shown the lads the bite mark on the back of his neck, and it’s not something you expect to see on a football pitch,” Eustace said. “He’s a bit quiet and upset in the dressing room. Nobody likes to be bitten; it’s a serious matter, and I hope the right people look at it and take the necessary action.”

Eustace’s remarks have been echoed by others in the football community, who are calling for a thorough investigation into the incident. Biting is a rare yet highly controversial issue in football, with past cases receiving considerable media attention and leading to significant penalties. If Osmajic is found guilty, he could face a suspension that exceeds the three-match ban imposed on Beck.

This incident also raises questions about the match officials’ role and the use of VAR in such situations. While the referee quickly issued a red card to Beck, the alleged bite went unnoticed until after the match, prompting calls for improved oversight and more effective technology to ensure serious incidents are not overlooked.

As it stands, Beck will miss Blackburn’s next three matches, a significant loss for a player who has been a reliable presence on the team. Meanwhile, Preston North End may find themselves without Osmajic for an extended period, depending on the FA’s review outcome. This unpleasant episode has marred what was otherwise a fiercely contested derby, and the repercussions are likely to linger as the footballing community awaits the FA’s decision.

In the aftermath of this incident, Blackburn will aim to regroup and support Beck as he navigates the fallout from this troubling experience. For now, all attention is on the FA as they determine the appropriate course of action, with hopes that justice will be served and such behavior will be decisively addressed to prevent recurrence in the future.