UK TimesUK Times
  • Home
  • News
  • TV & Showbiz
  • Money
  • Health
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • More
    • Web Stories
    • Trending
    • Press Release
What's Hot

A550 northbound within the A540 junction | Northbound | Road Works

9 May 2025

White House reveals why Trump fired Librarian of Congress as Democrats call her ouster a ‘disgrace’ – UK Times

9 May 2025

M1 J47 northbound exit | Northbound | Congestion

9 May 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
UK TimesUK Times
Subscribe
  • Home
  • News
  • TV & Showbiz
  • Money
  • Health
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • More
    • Web Stories
    • Trending
    • Press Release
UK TimesUK Times
Home » Millwall keeper Liam Roberts withdrawn from Player of the Season vote a month after horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta to ‘avoid further horrific online abuse’ – as Lions fans claim he was set to win club award
TV & Showbiz

Millwall keeper Liam Roberts withdrawn from Player of the Season vote a month after horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta to ‘avoid further horrific online abuse’ – as Lions fans claim he was set to win club award

By uk-times.com18 April 2025No Comments4 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram Pinterest Tumblr Reddit WhatsApp Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Milwall have removed Liam Roberts from the club’s Player of the Season award vote to avoid further ‘horrific online abuse’, according to club captain Shaun Hutchinson.

The goalkeeper was sent off for a horror challenge on Jean-Phillipe Mateta in his side’s FA Cup clash against Crystal Palace at the start of March.

The 30-year-old was issued a six-match ban for his transgressions, meanwhile, Mateta returned to action for Palace at the end of last month, donning a protective helmet.

Roberts had been criticised for his dangerous challenge, with Palace chairman Steve Parish saying the keeper endangered Mateta’s life in the incident. 

Milwall released a statement in the aftermath of the game, lamenting the backlash their man had received by stating they were ‘disgusted’ by the ‘abuse’ directed towards him by football fans online.

Now, the club have made it so fans cannot vote for Roberts as Milwall’s player of the season, in order to prevent renewed attention towards last month’s events.

Milwall have decided to remove Liam Roberts from their Player of the Season award vote

The goalkeeper was handed a six-match ban after a horror challenge on Jean-Phillipe Mateta

The goalkeeper was handed a six-match ban after a horror challenge on Jean-Phillipe Mateta

Mateta was carried off in on a stretcher Milwall's FA Cup defeat by Crystal Palace last month

Mateta was carried off in on a stretcher Milwall’s FA Cup defeat by Crystal Palace last month

Club captain Hutchinson told BBC Radio 5 Live in a statement: ‘As we approach the end-of-season awards ceremony and celebrate some of the outstanding performances across the campaign, we want to be open and transparent with you about a subject we’ve discussed as a squad.

‘Your incredible support for Liam Roberts since the Crystal Palace match has meant the world to him and his family during an incredibly difficult time.

‘We also understand that many of you have continued to show that support by voting for him as player of the season.

‘With that in mind, there’s concern within the squad that a placed finish for Robbo could unintentionally resurface a lot of the external abuse and negative stories directed at him — issues we as a club have been steadily moving forward from.

‘Robbo and his family endured endless, horrific online abuse following the FA Cup tie. He and his wife received death threats, his name was dragged through the headlines, and we witnessed a teammate go through a nightmare.

‘We can’t allow that to happen again and have shared this view with the Millwall Supporters’ Club.’

Reacting to the statement, Millwall fans on Twitter claimed that Roberts’ withdrawal came because he was set to win the award, or at least finish in the top three.

This is despite the fact the keeper has made just six appearances in all competitions in 2024-25.

Mateta returned to action for Palace at the end of last month, wearing a protective mask

Mateta returned to action for Palace at the end of last month, wearing a protective mask

Meanwhile, after he received his suspension, Roberts responded to the ban with his own statement released on Millwall’s official website. 

He revealed that he had reached out to Mateta to apologise for the incident, but denied there was any malice behind his tackle and hit out at the abusive messages he received in the aftermath. 

Roberts wrote in his statement: ‘As the dust settles, I want to address what has been a really difficult week for all concerned, including my family and I.

‘Firstly, to Jean-Philippe, who I continue to send my best wishes to in his recovery. As soon as I could, I reached out to Jean-Philippe personally to apologise, and I was thankful to hear back from him that evening that he was OK and reassured me not to worry.

‘I am devastated by what happened. I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment. Furthermore, it has been extremely unpleasant to observe suggestions that I intended to harm a fellow professional. I have categorically never stepped onto a football pitch with the intention of hurting anyone.

‘Misleading articles and comments have resulted in an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats towards my family and I. To the footballing community who know me and reached out with support through this tough time, thank you, I appreciate every single message.

‘Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody connected to Millwall Football Club for their continued support. The togetherness throughout this club is unique, and I can’t wait to be back out on the pitch in front of our fans.

‘Be kind. Take care, Robbo.’

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Telegram Email

Related News

John Textor ‘launches plan for takeover of Crystal Palace’ but faces competition from NY Jets owner Woody Johnson with Steve Parish’s future at the club under threat

9 May 2025

EXCLUSIVEJordon Hudson’s family sex shop, an empty fridge and the ‘pillow in my face syndrome’ that all explain how she reeled in Bill Belichick

9 May 2025

David Moyes breaks silence on Richarlison move after Spurs striker is linked with stunning return to Everton

9 May 2025

EXCLUSIVESuperbike deaths: Could more have been done to save the two tragic riders? These are the key questions that must be answered

9 May 2025

Emma Raducanu secures place in third round of Italian Open with almost flawless display in win against Jill Teichmann

9 May 2025

Manchester City MISS OUT on top summer transfer target – as the star ‘agrees £85m move to European giants’

9 May 2025
Top News

A550 northbound within the A540 junction | Northbound | Road Works

9 May 2025

White House reveals why Trump fired Librarian of Congress as Democrats call her ouster a ‘disgrace’ – UK Times

9 May 2025

M1 J47 northbound exit | Northbound | Congestion

9 May 2025

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest UK news and updates directly to your inbox.

© 2025 UK Times. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Go to mobile version