Jean-Philippe Mateta (28, Crystal Palace) received a staggering 25 stitches. However, it is impossible to discipline the Millwall fans who left inhumane remarks in the situation where he collapsed.

Palace announced on the 2nd (Korean time) through the club's website, "Mateta received specialist treatment this evening at St. George's Hospital. He sustained severe lacerations to his left ear, received 25 stitches, and was discharged. All test results were clear, and he is in a healthy condition," they reported on Mateta's physical state.

Palace continued, "Mateta will now rest for a few days and recover. The club's medical staff will monitor his recovery situation. We thank the professionalism and assistance shown by Selhurst Park and the hospital medical staff. We also appreciate all the support Mateta and the club have received."

Mateta suffered a horrific injury during the match against Millwall in the 5th round (Round of 16) of the England FA Cup for the 2024-2025 season held at Selhurst Park in London on the 1st. While Palace won 3-1 and advanced to the quarter-finals, Mateta had to be transferred to the hospital and could not see the match to the end.

The incident occurred just six minutes into the match. As Mateta rushed to receive a long pass from the back, Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts leaped into the air outside the penalty box. Instead of kicking the ball, Roberts forcefully struck Mateta's face with his extended left foot.

The injured Mateta collapsed immediately, and blood flowed from his left ear. He was treated while wearing an oxygen mask for eight minutes before being carried off on a stretcher. Roberts, who delivered the dangerous tackle, received a direct red card following a video review (VAR).

According to Britain's 'Sky Sports', Mateta received treatment on the field for about 10 minutes before being transferred to the hospital. Fortunately, Oliver Glasner, Palace's manager, revealed after the match that Mateta had regained consciousness. He also noted, "Mateta's football life could have ended. I don’t want to blame Roberts, but it was a terrible foul."

Steve Parish, the chairman of Palace, was also furious. He unusually gave an interview at halftime, saying, "Mateta has suffered serious injuries behind his ear and has hurt his head. He is currently hospitalized." He emphasized, "I have never seen such a challenge. It was the most reckless challenge I have seen on the field. He (Roberts) may have put his colleague's professional life and perhaps his life in danger, so he needs to reflect coldly on himself."

There was strong criticism in the UK as well. BBC commentator Martin Keown said, "It felt like watching a kung fu kick. It was an utterly unbelievable dangerous challenge."

'TNT Sports' reported, "Mateta was subjected to a terrible tackle. We wish him a speedy recovery," while 'BBC' also published related footage, stating, "The player suffered a serious injury due to an unreasonable challenge." In fact, Mateta had to undergo major surgery requiring 25 stitches.

The more shocking thing was the reaction of the Millwall fans. Notorious hooligans in the UK, they shouted slogans like "Let him die" towards the collapsed Mateta. They celebrated while chanting Roberts’s name, mocking Mateta by jeering and saying, "Why don’t you just let him die?"

Ironically, some of the Millwall supporters are under investigation for making homophobic remarks against Chilwell, who is on loan from Chelsea to Palace. In contrast, according to FA regulations, there is currently no way to punish those who say "You might as well die" to an opposing player.

Pierce Morgan, who was commentating for the BBC during the match, immediately criticized the Millwall fans. He pointed out, "Millwall fans are not loved by anyone with such slogans." However, it is reported that the English Football Association (FA) plans not to investigate this matter separately.

During the post-match press conference, Millwall's Alex Neil said, "I can't control what our fans say. I think the club will release a statement regarding this," while adding, "I don’t think I am in a position to comment on that."

Having safely completed treatment and been discharged, Mateta left a message on social media, saying, "Thank you for all your warm messages. I’m okay. I hope to return quickly, stronger than ever."

[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Bleacher Report Football, Sky Sports, Jean-Philippe Mateta's social media.

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