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
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
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.’
