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.
- 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.
i 
The Times 
The Independent 
The Guardian 
