- Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off for horror challenge on Mateta
- The French striker was treated for several minutes before being stretchered off
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Crystal Palace striker Jean Philippe-Mateta has broken his silence after he was on the receiving end of a horror challenge by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
Millwall were down to 10-men after just eight minutes of the FA Cup fifth round clash as Roberts was shown a straight red following a VAR review.
The 30-year-old may well have been aiming for the ball but both of his feet were way off the ground as his left boot connected with Mateta’s skull.
Mateta was treated on the pitch for several minutes before being stretchered off and taken to a hospital.
The Frenchman took to Instagram to reveal he’s in good health, posting: ‘Thank you all for your kind messages. I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever. Well done guys for the great job today. I love you. JP’.
During the half-time break, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parisish slammed Roberts’ challenge on Mateta.
Jean Philippe-Mateta has broken his silence after he was forced off early against Millwall
Mateta was on the receiving end of a horror challenge by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts
The Frenchman was treated on the pitch before being stretchered off and taken to a hospital
‘So, so far what we know is he’s got a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury. He’s at the hospital, we hope for the best,’ he said.
‘There’s a lot of emotion in footy but we need to talk about that challenge. In all my time in football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it. I look to see how old is the keeper is, he’s 30 years old.
‘That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch that I think I’ve ever seen and he needs to have a long hard look at himself that lad because he’s endangering a fellow professional – and maybe even his life with a challenge like that.
‘So it’s very difficult for me to talk about the rest of the game because we’re worried about JP and it’s just a terrible, terrible challenge.
‘They’re professionals they’re all professionals and they have to treat each other like professionals and have a duty of care and that goalkeeper hasn’t had one.
‘And credit to the players for carrying on but it’s difficult for me to think about anything with JP in hospital. And in all my time in football, it’s a dreadful challenge and why the ref needed to go to the screen I’ve got no idea.
Asked to move on and chat about the game, Parish responded: ‘He’s a human being, let’s forget about a football player. That’s just not a challenge. If you’re kicking someone in the head with full force like that, god knows what damage he’s done to him .
‘Yes, it’s a good moment for us as a football club right now but it’s very difficult for me to get past that challenge.’
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish was furious with the challenge on his star striker
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi (left) and Eddie Nketiah sent their best wishes to Mateta
Crystal Palace eventually booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory
Palace eventually booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory thanks to an own goal by Japhet Tanganga, with Mateta’s replacement Eddie Nketiah also scoring alongside Daniel Munoz.
Nketiah said: ‘It was sad for JP, we hope he gets back soon. These things happen in football, you’ve got to stay ready. I had the chance today, good to get a goal and go through to the next round.
Eagles captain Marc Guehi added: ‘A little worrying, actually. We wish him a speedy recovery. We know he’s in hospital at the moment, which is good. We hope he’s doing well and can rejoin the team as quick as possible.’
