The Football Association (FA) has filed an appeal to extend Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts’ three-match suspension following his reckless tackle on Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta during an FA Cup match.
Roberts was shown a red card in the sixth minute of Millwall’s FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park for serious foul play. His challenge left Mateta with a severe laceration that required 25 stitches.
On Tuesday, the FA submitted an appeal, arguing that the standard punishment was insufficient given the seriousness of the incident. Roberts has until Thursday to respond.
A statement from the FA read: “The FA has submitted a claim seeking to increase Liam Roberts’ sanction following his sending off in the FA Cup tie between Millwall and Crystal Palace on Saturday, March 1. The goalkeeper was sent off for serious foul play around the 6th minute. The FA claims that, in these circumstances, the standard punishment for this offence is clearly insufficient. Liam Roberts has until Thursday, March 6, to provide a response.”
If the appeal is upheld, a Regulatory Commission will review the case to decide whether Roberts’ suspension should be extended.
Mateta’s Injury and Reactions
The tackle occurred when Roberts rushed out of his penalty area, colliding with Mateta and making contact with the striker’s head. Mateta was treated on the field for 10 minutes before being stretchered off wearing a neck brace and taken to the hospital. Fortunately, he has since been discharged.
The severity of the challenge has sparked widespread condemnation. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish called it “the most reckless I’ve ever seen,” stressing that it endangered Mateta’s life. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher also suggested that the FA may extend Roberts’ suspension due to the dangerous nature of the challenge.
While Mateta was receiving medical treatment, some Millwall fans were heard chanting, “Let him die, let him die.” The incident has been widely condemned, but Millwall is unlikely to face punishment as these chants do not violate current regulations.
In the first match following the controversy, Millwall fans at The Den applauded in the eighth minute, marking the moment Roberts was sent off in the match.
FA Investigates Homophobic Chants
The FA has also launched an investigation into potentially homophobic chants directed at Ben Chilwell, who is currently on loan to Crystal Palace from Chelsea. However, Millwall is not expected to face punishment for these chants unless they are found to breach FA regulations.
