The Football Association (FA) is pushing to extend Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts’ suspension after his brutal challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta left the forward with a deep head wound requiring 25 stitches.
Roberts was shown a straight red just six minutes into Millwall’s FA Cup defeat at Selhurst Park, after charging out of his box and colliding dangerously with Mateta. The impact left the Frenchman needing prolonged on-field treatment before he was stretchered off in a neck brace and taken to the hospital.
FA Wants a Harsher Punishment
On Tuesday, the FA formally appealed to increase Roberts’ initial three-match ban, arguing that the standard punishment doesn’t reflect the severity of the incident. The Millwall shot-stopper has until Thursday to respond, after which a Regulatory Commission will decide his fate.
“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,” the statement read. “The FA claims that in the circumstances, the standard punishment for this offence is clearly insufficient.”
Backlash and Fan Controversy
The reckless tackle has sparked widespread criticism. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish didn’t hold back, calling it “the most reckless I’ve ever seen,” while ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher suggested Roberts could face an even longer ban.
But it wasn’t just the tackle making headlines—some Millwall fans were caught on camera chanting “Let him die” as Mateta lay injured on the pitch. The shocking chants have been widely condemned, though Millwall is unlikely to face repercussions since current FA regulations don’t explicitly cover such incidents.
Despite the controversy, Millwall supporters stood by their keeper, even giving an eighth-minute applause in their next match—marking the moment Roberts was sent off.
FA Also Investigating Homophobic Chants
In a separate matter, the FA has launched an investigation into homophobic chants aimed at Ben Chilwell, currently on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea. However, unless the chants are found to have breached specific regulations, Millwall may once again avoid formal punishment.
With Roberts’ fate now in the hands of the FA, all eyes are on Thursday’s decision—will his punishment be extended, or will he escape with just a three-match ban?
