Millwall have vowed to fight against an extended ban for goalkeeper Liam Roberts following his horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta during Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Football Association confirmed on Wednesday they are seeking to increase Roberts’ punishment beyond the standard three-match suspension. The governing body stated the “standard punishment for this offence is clearly insufficient” in their official claim.
Roberts, 30, was shown a straight red card by referee Michael Oliver following a VAR review after he caught the Palace striker with a high foot to the head when attempting to clear a dangerous through ball. The incident occurred in just the sixth minute of the match at Selhurst Park.
The Championship club released a statement acknowledging the FA’s position while confirming their intention to contest any extended ban.
“Millwall Football Club acknowledges the FA’s statement and will continue to support Liam who has been subjected to horrendous online abuse since Saturday’s collision,” the club said.
Mateta required oxygen on the pitch and was stretchered off before being taken to hospital. The Frenchman later revealed he needed 25 stitches to repair a laceration to his left ear.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish was furious about the challenge, describing it as “the most reckless challenge I’ve ever seen” from any player in a football match.
Millwall have consistently defended their goalkeeper, insisting there was no malicious intent behind the challenge. In an earlier statement, they condemned the “unwarranted character assassination” of Roberts and the “abhorrent online abuse” directed towards him.
“No player at Millwall Football Club steps onto the pitch with the intent to harm another,” the club stated, adding that Roberts had “reached out to Jean-Philippe personally on Saturday evening with an apology which was accepted immediately.”
Speaking after the match, Millwall head coach Alex Neil said: “I don’t think it is meant. I don’t think there is any intent, why would there be intent? We don’t want the lad to be injured. It was a mistiming, he was sent off, he is disappointed.”
Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner acknowledged the severity of the challenge while also suggesting there was no deliberate attempt to injure Mateta.
“I’m sure the goalkeeper didn’t want to injure JP in this situation, no player wants this,” Glasner said. “But if you go to the ball with this intensity, with the foot at that height, you can’t do it because it’s so dangerous.”
Roberts has until Thursday, 6 March to provide his response to the FA’s claim before a final decision on the length of his ban is made.
Mateta has since been discharged from hospital and provided a positive update on social media: “Thank you all for your kind messages. I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever.”
Crystal Palace went on to win the match 3-1, progressing to the FA Cup quarter-finals.
