Millwall keeper faces extended ban as FA release statement on Jean-Philippe Mateta incident

The Football Association have confirmed they are seeking to hand Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts an extended ban for his reckless challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta at the weekend.

Roberts, 30, was shown a red card by referee Michael Oliver after VAR intervened when he caught Mateta in the side of the head with a high foot at Selhurst Park.

Players are normally subjected to a three-match ban for red cards - but the FA have confirmed they are seeking an extended ban for Roberts.

A statement released on Wednesday morning 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, 1 March.

"The goalkeeper was sent off for serious foul play around the sixth minute. The FA claims that in the circumstances the standard punishment for this offence is clearly insufficient.

"Liam Roberts has until Thursday, 6 March, to provide a response."

Millwall, in turn, have vowed to support Roberts, who has been the subject of "horrendous online abuse" since the incident. A Millwall spokesperson said: “Millwall Football Club acknowledges the FA’s statement and will continue to support Liam, who has been subjected to horrendous online abuse since Saturday’s collision.”

“Millwall Football Club acknowledges the FA’s statement and will continue to support Liam who has been subjected to horrendous online abuse since Saturday’s collision.”

Roberts' challenge saw Mateta receive medical attention and oxygen on the field before the striker was transported to a nearby hospital, where he required 25 stitches on a laceration on his left ear.

Millwall released a statement earlier this week hitting out at the coverage of the incident, saying: “The club are disgusted by abuse directed towards goalkeeper Liam Roberts following Saturday’s unfortunate collision with Jean-Philippe Mateta.

“The reporting on the matter, as well as disgraceful suggestions made by certain news organisations and high-profile figures within the sport that Liam intended to harm Jean-Philippe, has contributed to the unwarranted character assassination of Liam and fuelled abhorrent online abuse towards him.

“No player at Millwall Football Club steps on to the pitch with the intent to harm another, and the club will continue to support Liam, who reached out to Jean-Philippe personally on Saturday evening with an apology which was accepted immediately. The club are pleased to hear positive updates from Jean-Philippe and wish him the best in his recovery.”

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