Liam Roberts (31, Millwall), who delivered a 'Kung Fu kick' to his opponent, asked for an end to the hatred directed at him and his family.

British 'Sky Sports' reported on the 8th (Korean time) that 'Millwall goalkeeper Roberts received a six-match suspension for a high challenge on Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Football Association (FA) deemed a three-match ban 'clearly insufficient' and requested a longer suspension.

The incident occurred during the 5th round (Round of 16) match of the 2024-2025 season FA Cup between Palace and Millwall at Selhurst Park in London, England. Mateta sustained a horrific injury just six minutes after kickoff. Palace won 3-1 and advanced to the quarterfinals, but Mateta was unable to watch until the end and was taken to the hospital.

In the 6th minute of the first half, as Mateta rushed to receive a pass that was long coming from the back, Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts jumped into the air outside the penalty box. Instead of kicking the ball, Roberts violently kicked Mateta's face with his extended left foot.

Mateta, who was struck, collapsed, bleeding from his left ear. He received treatment with an oxygen mask for eight minutes before being carried off on a stretcher. Roberts, who executed the dangerous tackle, received a direct red card after a video review (VAR).

According to Sky Sports, Mateta received treatment on the field for about 10 minutes before being transported to the hospital. Fortunately, Palace manager Oliver Glasner stated after the match that Mateta had regained consciousness. He also expressed, 'Mateta's football career could have been over. I don't want to blame Roberts, but it was a horrible foul.'

Steve Parish, Palace chairman, also expressed his anger. He made an unusual halftime interview and stated, 'Mateta suffered a serious injury behind his ear and hurt his head. He is currently hospitalized.'

Additionally, Parish emphasized, 'I have never seen a challenge like this. It was the most reckless tackle I have seen in the game. He (Roberts) has put his fellow professional's career and possibly his life at risk, so he should reflect on himself.'

Fortunately, Mateta was discharged after completing his treatment safely. The Palace organization announced the next day, 'Mateta received specialist treatment at St. George's Hospital this evening. He suffered severe lacerations to his left ear, receiving 25 stitches before being discharged. All test results were clear, and he is in good health.'

Mateta also reassured fans through social media, saying, 'Thank you for all your warm messages. I’m okay. I hope to return quickly, stronger than ever.'

Roberts, who injured Mateta with a dangerous tackle, could not avoid a heavy penalty. The FA requested additional punishment, stating that a simple three-match suspension for the red card was insufficient, and after discussions, an independent regulatory panel announced a six-match ban. Millwall expressed disappointment with the outcome but stated they respected it.

However, he asked for the hateful remarks pouring in online to stop. Previously, Millwall stated, 'The club finds the abuse directed at Roberts after the unfortunate collision with Mateta disgusting. The shameful claim that he acted intentionally has incited unfair character assassination and hateful online abuse.'

Roberts also spoke directly. He emphasized, 'I'm very shocked by what happened. I clearly accept the red card and accept the punishment. The idea that I intended to harm a fellow professional player is very upsetting. I have never entered the field with the intent to hurt anyone.'

Roberts added, 'Due to misleading articles and comments, there has been an unimaginable amount of insults and threats directed at me and my family. I thank everyone who knows and supports me during this tough time and for all the messages.'

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

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