Millwall FC have strongly denounced the online abuse aimed at goalkeeper Liam Roberts following his collision with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta during their FA Cup clash ποΈπ¨.
π€ Mateta’s Injury & Roberts’ Apology
The shocking incident left Mateta with a severe laceration to his left ear, requiring eight minutes of treatment before being stretchered off π₯π. He later received 25 stitches for the injury.
Following the match, Roberts, 30, personally reached out to Mateta with an apology, which was immediately accepted π€π¬.
π₯ Millwall Hit Back at ‘Character Assassination’
In a strongly-worded statement on Monday, Millwall condemned the way the incident had been reported, saying it had led to an “unwarranted character assassination” of Roberts and “fuelled abhorrent” online abuse π°π«.
π£οΈ Millwall’s Statement:
“The club is disgusted by the abuse directed towards Liam Roberts following Saturdayβs unfortunate collision with Jean-Philippe Mateta.”
“Disgraceful suggestions by certain news organisations and high-profile figures that Liam intended to harm Jean-Philippe have contributed to this unwarranted narrative.”
β οΈ Crystal Palace Reacts Strongly
π΄ Palace chairman Steve Parish told BBC Sport that Roberts’ challenge had “endangered a fellow professional and maybe his life.”
πΊ During the match broadcast, Parish added:
“Iβve never seen a challenge like it. That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think Iβve ever seen.”
π’ Palace manager Oliver Glasner stated that the foul could have ended Matetaβs career π±β½.
π Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown also reacted on Match of the Day, calling the challenge βa kung-fu kickβ and “horrific”.
π¨ Fan Chants & FA Investigation
Some Millwall fans were heard chanting “let him die” while Mateta received treatment, including oxygen, before being taken to hospital π.
β οΈ The FA condemned these chants but confirmed they do not breach regulations βπ.
However, the FA will investigate homophobic chants aimed at Ben Chilwell (on loan at Palace from Chelsea) by some Millwall supporters π³οΈβππ.
π« The FA could also extend Roberts’ suspension beyond the standard three-match ban if the challenge is deemed excessively dangerous.
π€ Millwall & Neil Defend Roberts
Millwall manager Alex Neil acknowledged that Roberts deserved a red card but rejected claims that he acted maliciously π¨π΄.
π£οΈ Neilβs Response:
“I am not accepting anybody suggesting Liam tried to hurt the player. We’re five minutes into the game, trying to win.”
π₯ On Mateta’s Injury:
“I hope the lad is fine and comes back strong. We wish him the best.”
Millwall reinforced their support for Roberts, stating:
π¦ βNo player at Millwall steps onto the pitch with intent to harm another. We will continue to support Liam.β
The club also expressed relief at Matetaβs positive recovery updates and wished him a swift return to action ππͺ.
βοΈ With tensions high and an FA investigation looming, this incident is far from over. Stay tuned for further developments! ποΈππ₯
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