Translation Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been handed a six-match suspension after his dangerous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta during last weekend’s FA Cup fifth-round clash at Selhurst Park. The FA successfully appealed to extend his initial three-match ban, arguing that the punishment was “clearly insufficient.”
Roberts, 30, was sent off in the sixth minute by referee Michael Oliver after catching Mateta with a high boot. The French striker suffered a deep laceration to his ear, requiring 25 stitches, and had to be given oxygen on the pitch before being taken to the hospital. Fortunately, Mateta is now recovering and hopes to be fit for Palace’s FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham on March 29.
FA Appeals for a Harsher Punishment
The FA initially imposed a three-match suspension for serious foul play, but after reviewing the incident, they deemed the punishment inadequate. A regulatory commission upheld the FA’s appeal, increasing the ban to six matches.
A statement from the FA read:
“An independent regulatory commission has upheld the FA’s claim to increase the suspension of Millwall’s Liam Roberts. The FA claimed that in the circumstances the standard punishment for this offence was clearly insufficient, and Liam Roberts subsequently denied this. Following a hearing, the Regulatory Commission upheld the FA’s claim, set aside the standard three-match punishment, and instead imposed a six-match ban.”
Roberts will now miss key Championship fixtures against Watford, Leeds, Stoke, Sunderland, and Portsmouth, having already sat out Millwall’s 2-0 loss to Bristol City. His earliest return date will be the away match against Sheffield United on April 8.
Roberts Responds to Ban
Roberts personally reached out to Mateta after the match to apologise and express his regret over the incident. In a statement, the goalkeeper said:
"I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment. I have never stepped onto a football pitch with the intention of hurting anyone. Misleading articles and comments have led to an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats towards my family and me. To those who have shown support, I appreciate every message."
Millwall, while disappointed with the extended ban, acknowledged the decision. The club stated:
"Whilst the club is disappointed with the outcome, it respects the process that has been undertaken."
With Roberts sidelined for the next few weeks, Millwall will need to rely on their backup goalkeeper as they continue their push for a strong finish in the Championship.
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