Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has had his suspension increased to six matches. This is due to a dangerous high-footed challenge on Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.
This was announced by the FA on Friday. On Saturday, during the sixth minute of the FA Cup fifth-round tie, Roberts left his goal. He rushed to intercept a forward pass. He collided with Mateta. This resulted in a kick to the head.
Referee Michael Oliver initially issued a yellow card. He rightly upgraded it to red after reviewing the incident with VAR.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish stated it was the most reckless challenge he had ever witnessed.
Roberts faced a three-match ban for serious foul play. However, the FA took action to seek an increased suspension. They asserted that the standard punishment for such an offence was “clearly insufficient.”
The FA’s claim was decisively upheld by an independent regulatory commission.
“The FA asserted that the standard punishment for this offence was clearly inadequate. This was due to the circumstances. Liam Roberts subsequently denied this stance,” the FA stated.
“After a thorough hearing, the Regulatory Commission upheld The FA’s position. They set aside the typical three-match ban. A significantly harsher six-match suspension was imposed.”
Mateta required 10 minutes of treatment on the pitch. Then he was transported to the hospital due to a severe laceration. The French forward underwent 25 stitches in his left ear.
In a statement on Millwall’s website, Roberts expressed his regret for the incident. He stated he had reached out to Mateta to apologise.
“I am devastated by what occurred. I fully accept the red card awarded and acknowledge my punishment,” Roberts declared.
“It’s deeply troubling to witness suggestions that I intended to harm a fellow professional. I have never stepped onto a football pitch to injure anyone.
“The misleading articles and comments surrounding this incident have resulted in an unacceptable amount of abuse directed at me.”