Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts could face an extended ban following a dangerous challenge on Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta during their FA Cup fifth-round match. The Football Association has deemed the standard three-game suspension for serious foul play “clearly insufficient” and has filed a claim to increase the punishment. Roberts has until Thursday to respond.
The incident occurred just eight minutes into the game when Roberts rushed out of the box and attempted to clear the ball but struck Mateta in the face with a high follow-through. Mateta required extensive medical treatment, including 25 stitches for a severe ear laceration, and was stretchered off with a neck brace before being hospitalized.
Despite the injury, Crystal Palace secured a 3-1 victory, advancing to the FA Cup quarterfinals. Mateta, the team’s top scorer this season, has expressed hope to return to action “very soon.”
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