Millwall’s goalkeeper Liam Roberts reportedly reached out to Jean-Philippe Mateta after a rash challenge during their FA Cup clash which sent the Crystal Palace forward to hospital.
In what turned out to be a costly early action on Saturday, Roberts was shown a red card for coming out of his goal and, despite getting the ball, followed through dangerously high, connecting with Mateta’s head.
The injury prompted immediate medical attention for the French striker, which resulted in him being taken to hospital. Following Palace’s 3-1 victory securing their spot in the quarter-finals, Mateta shared from his hospital bed that he was ‘doing well’, mentioning he needed 25 stitches for a wound he sustained.
The incident drew stark comments from Palace chairman Steve Parish, who described Roberts’ kick as the ‘worst challenge he’s ever seen’ during a remarkable live interview at half-time on the BBC. Additionally, after the match, Palace manager Oliver Glasner spoke about Roberts, saying: “I don’t want to blame him, but it is a terrible foul.”
According to The Mail, following Millwall’s exit from the competition, both manager Alex Neil and chairman John Berylson made inquiries about Mateta’s well-being. It has been reported by sources that Roberts also made contact with the 27-year-old player, who left the hospital on Saturday night.
(Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
A club statement that read: “We are very pleased to confirm that JP Mateta has this evening been discharged from St George’s Hospital where he received specialist treatment and 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his left ear. All scans were clear and JP is feeling well.”
They continued: “He will now rest and recuperate over the following days where his progress will be monitored by our club doctor. Thank you to the medical staff at both Selhurst Park and the hospital for their help and professionalism, and for all the wishes of support that JP and the club have received today.”
Speaking post-match, Palace’s manager Glasner projected Mateta’s absence for next Saturday’s Premier League encounter against Ipswich, though he remains optimistic for a return by the FA Cup quarter-finals: “I think he will definitely miss the Ipswich game, but I still hope that he’s available for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at the end of March, so four weeks’ time. Of course, we all wish him the best.”
(Image: Instagram/iammateta)
In a disturbing twist, Millwall supporters were heard chanting “let him die” while the team’s top scorer was being administered oxygen on the pitch before being stretchered off. Despite this inappropriate behaviour, Millwall seems set to escape sanctions as such chants do not fall under FA rule violations.
The FA have announced an investigation into possible homophobic chants directed at Ben Chilwell, who has moved to Palace on a loan deal from Chelsea. Palace manager Neil was questioned about the matter but appeared reticent to delve into it, saying, “I’m not in control of what people say,” and adding, “I don’t know what you want me to say. I don’t think it’s my place to comment on that.”
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