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The Football Association is pushing for a harsher penalty for Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts following his dangerous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, which resulted in the forward needing 25 stitches in his left ear.
Roberts was dismissed just eight minutes into Millwall’s FA Cup fifth-round clash at Selhurst Park on Saturday after charging out of his area and catching Mateta with a high boot. The FA believes the standard three-match ban for serious foul play is inadequate and has called for an extension.
“The FA claims that in the circumstances, the standard punishment for this offence is clearly insufficient,” the governing body stated. Roberts has been given until Thursday, March 6, to respond to the claim.
FA regulations allow for increased sanctions in cases deemed “truly exceptional,” and after reviewing the incident, the organization decided to seek further action. The appeal will be assessed by an independent regulatory commission, which will determine whether Roberts’ suspension should be lengthened.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish strongly condemned the challenge, calling it “the most reckless I’ve ever seen.” Mateta, who was forced off the pitch and later taken to the hospital, has since reassured fans about his condition, saying on social media: “I’m doing well and hope to be back very soon.”
Millwall, meanwhile, has stood by their player, describing the challenge as an unfortunate accident and rejecting accusations that Roberts acted with intent to harm. In a statement, the club denounced the “disgraceful suggestions” made about Roberts and the online abuse he has received, emphasizing that their goalkeeper personally apologized to Mateta, who accepted it immediately.
Roberts began serving his suspension during Millwall’s 2-0 defeat to Bristol City in the Championship on Tuesday. Supporters showed solidarity with their player, holding a minute’s applause in the eighth minute, corresponding to the time of his red card in the FA Cup match.
This case is now in the hands of the regulatory commission, which will decide whether Roberts’ punishment should be extended or remain at three games. The FA’s intervention follows a precedent where bans have been increased in similar high-profile incidents, including Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic receiving an extended suspension after pushing a referee in 2023.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram @millwallfc
