Millwall Goalkeeper Roberts Sees Suspension Extended to Six Matches Following Mateta’s Shocking Tackle

Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has had his suspension for a high-footed challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta extended to six matches, as announced by the FA on Friday.

Roberts rushed out of his goal to intercept a forward pass during the sixth minute of Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round match, resulting in a collision with Mateta that saw him kick the player in the head.

Initially, referee Michael Oliver issued a yellow card, but after consulting VAR, he changed it to a red card.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish described the challenge as one of the most reckless he had ever witnessed.

Roberts was originally given a three-match suspension for serious foul play, but the FA submitted a request for an increased ban, arguing that the standard punishment for such an offence was “clearly insufficient”.

An independent regulatory commission upheld the FA’s request.

“The FA argued that the standard punishment for this offence was inadequate given the circumstances, which Liam Roberts subsequently contested,” the FA stated.

“After a hearing, the Regulatory Commission supported The FA’s request and replaced the standard three-match ban with a six-match suspension.”

Mateta required 10 minutes of treatment on the pitch before being taken to hospital with a severe laceration. The French striker received 25 stitches in his left ear.

In a statement on Millwall’s website, Roberts expressed his regret and mentioned that he had spoken to Mateta to apologise for the incident.

“I am heartbroken by what transpired. I fully accept the red card issued and my subsequent punishment,” Roberts said.

“Moreover, it has been incredibly distressing to see suggestions implying that I aimed to harm a fellow player. I have never entered a football pitch with the intention of injuring anyone.

“The erroneous articles and comments have led to an overwhelming number of abusive messages and threats directed at both my family and myself.”