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Millwall Goalkeeper Liam Roberts Receives Six-Game Ban for Reckless Challenge

The FA extended Roberts' suspension after his high-footed challenge left Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta with a severe injury requiring 25 stitches.

Soccer Football - FA Cup - Fifth Round - Crystal Palace v Millwall - Selhurst Park, London, Britain - March 1, 2025 Millwall's Liam Roberts fouls Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta and is later sent off REUTERS/David Klein/File Photo
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Mateta required 25 stitches after a challenge the Palace chairman called “the most reckless” he’d seen

Overview

  • Liam Roberts was initially given a three-game ban for a red card offense during an FA Cup match but had his suspension doubled by the FA after an appeal.
  • The incident occurred in the sixth minute when Roberts' high-footed challenge resulted in a severe laceration to Jean-Philippe Mateta's ear, requiring 25 stitches.
  • Mateta was taken to the hospital but avoided fractures or a concussion; he is expected to recover in time for Palace's FA Cup quarterfinal later this month.
  • Roberts expressed remorse, stating he never intended to harm Mateta and personally apologized to him, which Mateta reportedly accepted.
  • Roberts and his family have faced abusive messages and threats following the incident, which Millwall condemned as unwarranted.