Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was stretchered off with a head injury following a dangerous challenge by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts during Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie.
Roberts was sent off in just the eighth minute after a video assistant referee (VAR) review determined that he had recklessly dashed off his line to clear a long ball but ended up kicking the side of Mateta’s head.
The 27-year-old French forward received immediate medical attention on the pitch, including oxygen, before being taken to the hospital. His replacement, Eddie Nketiah, later contributed to Palace’s 3-1 victory over Millwall.
The Football Association has condemned offensive chants directed at Mateta from visiting supporters while he was being treated but stated that they do not breach its regulations. However, an investigation has been launched into homophobic chants aimed at Palace’s Ben Chilwell, who is currently on loan from Chelsea.
The match saw an extended first half with thirteen minutes of added time due to the incident. Palace had already secured a 2-0 lead thanks to an own goal by Japhet Tanganga and a strike from Daniel Munoz.
Palace chairman Steve Parish spoke to the media at half-time, stating, “So far, what we know is that Mateta has a bad gash behind his ear. He’s obviously at the hospital. In all my years watching football, I have never seen a challenge like that. It’s the most reckless tackle I have ever witnessed, and Roberts needs to take a hard look at himself. He has endangered a fellow professional and possibly his life.”
Despite the unfortunate incident, Mateta has been in exceptional form for Palace this season, netting 15 goals in 33 appearances, including eight in his last eight Premier League matches.
