Millwall Keeper Roberts Faces Extended Ban After Horror Challenge On Mateta

The Football Association (FA) has requested a longer ban for Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.

This follows a challenge by Roberts that resulted in Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta requiring 25 stitches to repair his left ear, the FA announced Wednesday.

Roberts dashed out of his goal to deal with a pass forward in the sixth minute of last Saturday’s FA Cup tie and collided with Mateta, kicking him in the head.

Referee Michael Oliver initially gave a yellow card for the challenge.

However, after reviewing the incident on VAR, he changed the decision to a straight red card.

Crystal Palace chairman, Steve Parish, called it the most reckless challenge he had ever witnessed.

“The FA claims that in the circumstances, the standard punishment for this offense is insufficient,” the FA said in a statement on X.

“Liam Roberts has until Thursday, 6 March, to respond.”

Roberts will serve a three-match ban for serious foul play and second-tier Millwall said they will fight any extension.

“Millwall 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.

Roberts missed Millwall’s home defeat by Bristol City in the Championship on Tuesday but supporters broke out into applause in support of the keeper in the sixth minute.

Mateta, the in-form French player for Palace, received ten minutes of on-field treatment before being hospitalized for a severe ear laceration.

“I’m doing well. I hope to be back soon and stronger than ever,” Mateta posted on social media.