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Millwall goalkeeper handed extended ban for horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta
Mateta was taken out by the Millwall goalkeeper (Picture: Getty Images) Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has seen his ban for his horror challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta extended. Roberts was shown a straight red card during Saturday’s FA Cup clash between the south London rivals after kicking the Palace star in the head as he attempted to clear the ball eight minutes into the match. Mateta required oxygen during lengthy treatment on the pitch before he was taken to hospital where he required 25 stiches in his left ear. The incident, described by Palace chairman Steve Parish as ‘the most reckless challenge I have ever seen’, initially went unpunished by referee Michael Oliver who produced the red card only after VAR intervention. Roberts was set to serve a standard three-match suspension but will now sit out Millwall’s next six games. The ban means he will not be able to play until Millwall’s match against Sheffield United on 8 April. Mateta meanwhile will miss Palace’s game against Ipswich this Saturday but could return for their FA Cup clash against Fulham next weekend. In a statement released on Friday, the FA described Roberts’ initial ban as ‘clearly insufficient’. Mateta needed 25 stitches in his ear (Picture: Getty Images) ‘An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld The FA’s claim to increase the suspension of Millwall’s Liam Roberts,’ the statement said. ‘The goalkeeper was sent off on Saturday 1 March, for serious foul play around the 6th minute of the Emirates FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace. ‘The FA claimed that – in the circumstances – the standard punishment for this offence was clearly insufficient, and Liam Roberts subsequently denied this. ‘Following a hearing, the Regulatory Commission upheld The FA’s claim, set aside the standard three-match punishment, and instead imposed a six-match ban. ‘The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.’ Mateta could return to action next weekend (Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images) Millwall boss Alex Neill defended Roberts after the match at Selhurst Park, insisting the challenge was not intentional. The Championship side later released a statement slamming the ‘disgusting’ online abuse their player was subject to. In a statement of his own, Roberts explained he was ‘devastated by what happened’, also revealing he had immediately reached out to Mateta who told him ‘not to worry’. ‘Firstly, to Jean-Philippe, who I continue to send my best wishes to in his recovery. As soon as I could, I reached out to Jean-Philippe personally to apologise, and I was thankful to hear back from him that evening that he was OK and reassured me not to worry,’ Roberts said. Mateta has accepted Roberts’ apology (Picture: Getty Images) ‘I am devastated by what happened. I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment. Furthermore, it has been extremely unpleasant to observe suggestions that I intended to harm a fellow professional. ‘I have categorically never stepped onto a football pitch with the intention of hurting anyone. ‘Misleading articles and comments have resulted in an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats towards my family and I. ‘To the footballing community who know me and reached out with support through this tough time, thank you, I appreciate every single message. ‘Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody connected to Millwall Football Club for their continued support. The togetherness throughout this club is unique, and I can’t wait to be back out on the pitch in front of our fans. Be kind. Take care, Robbo.’
Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has seen his ban for his horror challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta extended.
Roberts was shown a straight red card during Saturday’s FA Cup clash between the south London rivals after kicking the Palace star in the head as he attempted to clear the ball eight minutes into the match.
Mateta required oxygen during lengthy treatment on the pitch before he was taken to hospital where he required 25 stiches in his left ear.
The incident, described by Palace chairman Steve Parish as ‘the most reckless challenge I have ever seen’, initially went unpunished by referee Michael Oliver who produced the red card only after VAR intervention.
Roberts was set to serve a standard three-match suspension but will now sit out Millwall’s next six games.
The ban means he will not be able to play until Millwall’s match against Sheffield United on 8 April.
Mateta meanwhile will miss Palace’s game against Ipswich this Saturday but could return for their FA Cup clash against Fulham next weekend.
In a statement released on Friday, the FA described Roberts’ initial ban as ‘clearly insufficient’.
‘An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld The FA’s claim to increase the suspension of Millwall’s Liam Roberts,’ the statement said.
‘The goalkeeper was sent off on Saturday 1 March, for serious foul play around the 6th minute of the Emirates FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace.
‘The FA claimed that – in the circumstances – the standard punishment for this offence was clearly insufficient, and Liam Roberts subsequently denied this.
‘Following a hearing, the Regulatory Commission upheld The FA’s claim, set aside the standard three-match punishment, and instead imposed a six-match ban.
‘The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.’
Millwall boss Alex Neill defended Roberts after the match at Selhurst Park, insisting the challenge was not intentional.
The Championship side later released a statement slamming the ‘disgusting’ online abuse their player was subject to.
In a statement of his own, Roberts explained he was ‘devastated by what happened’, also revealing he had immediately reached out to Mateta who told him ‘not to worry’.
‘Firstly, to Jean-Philippe, who I continue to send my best wishes to in his recovery. As soon as I could, I reached out to Jean-Philippe personally to apologise, and I was thankful to hear back from him that evening that he was OK and reassured me not to worry,’ Roberts said.
‘I am devastated by what happened. I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment. Furthermore, it has been extremely unpleasant to observe suggestions that I intended to harm a fellow professional.
‘I have categorically never stepped onto a football pitch with the intention of hurting anyone.
‘Misleading articles and comments have resulted in an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats towards my family and I.
‘To the footballing community who know me and reached out with support through this tough time, thank you, I appreciate every single message.
‘Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody connected to Millwall Football Club for their continued support. The togetherness throughout this club is unique, and I can’t wait to be back out on the pitch in front of our fans. Be kind. Take care, Robbo.’
