Millwall Keeper Sent Off for Reckless Challenge on Mateta in FA Cup Clash
What a shocking moment in the FA Cup! Millwall’s goalkeeper, Liam Roberts, was sent off after a reckless, high challenge on Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, leaving the striker badly injured and needing hospital treatment. The incident happened just minutes into their fifth-round tie, and it left fans and pundits stunned.
Roberts' challenge wasn’t just a typical foul—it was a full-force, studs-up, karate-style kick to Mateta’s head. The impact was so severe that the Palace forward had to be stretchered off and later required stitches to his ear. As expected, referee Michael Oliver initially hesitated but, after checking VAR, showed a straight red card. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish didn't hold back in his reaction, calling it the "most reckless challenge" he’s ever seen in football.
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The game itself continued with Palace taking advantage of Millwall being reduced to 10 men, securing a 3-1 victory and booking their place in the quarter-finals. But the result was almost overshadowed by the ugly scenes that followed the challenge. Reports emerged that some Millwall fans were chanting "let him die" as Mateta lay on the ground, receiving medical attention. While the FA isn’t expected to punish Millwall for these specific chants, they are investigating potentially homophobic abuse directed at Palace’s Ben Chilwell.
Mateta later took to Instagram to reassure fans, saying he was "doing well" and would be back "stronger than ever." Palace manager Oliver Glasner was visibly emotional after the game, admitting that he didn’t even want to rewatch the challenge, describing it as "very, very serious foul play." He even suggested that if the kick had landed slightly differently, it could have ended Mateta’s career.
Meanwhile, Millwall boss Alex Neil defended his goalkeeper, insisting there was no intent to harm Mateta, but even he acknowledged that Roberts had mistimed his challenge. Reports indicate that Roberts has reached out to Mateta after the game to check on his condition, which at least shows some remorse.
The controversy around this match isn’t going away anytime soon. With the FA already investigating some of the incidents from the game, all eyes will be on whether further action is taken. But for now, the main focus is on Mateta’s recovery. Palace fans will be hoping their striker can return soon, while Roberts will have to reflect on what was undoubtedly a moment of recklessness that could have had far worse consequences.
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