Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been handed a six-match suspension following his challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta, which left the Crystal Palace forward hospitalized. Roberts’ high boot during their encounter in last Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round match at Selhurst Park caused Mateta to require 25 stitches in his left ear. The incident occurred when both players challenged for the ball, leading to a serious injury. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish described the challenge as “the most reckless challenge I’ve ever seen.”
Initially, Roberts was set to face a standard three-match ban. However, the Football Association (FA) argued that this punishment was “clearly insufficient” for the severity of the offence and requested an extension of the suspension. On Friday, the FA confirmed that an independent regulatory panel had decided to impose a six-match ban on Roberts.
In response, Millwall expressed their disappointment with the decision but emphasized their respect for the process that led to the ruling.
Roberts, for his part, stated he was “devastated” by the incident and contacted Mateta “immediately” following the match to express his regret. In a statement on the club’s website, the goalkeeper also acknowledged the suspension and accepted the sanction.
