The Football Association has lodged an appeal to extend Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts’ three-match suspension following his dangerous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Roberts was shown a red card just six minutes into Millwall’s FA Cup clash at Selhurst Park for serious foul play. His tackle left Mateta with a deep laceration requiring 25 stitches.
On Tuesday, the FA submitted an appeal, arguing that the standard three-game suspension is inadequate given the severity of the incident. Roberts has until Thursday to respond.
FA Statement on the Appeal
In an official statement, the FA confirmed its request for a harsher punishment:
“The FA has submitted a claim seeking to increase Liam Roberts’ sanction following his sending off in the FA Cup tie between Millwall and Crystal Palace on Saturday, 1 March.
The goalkeeper was dismissed for serious foul play in the sixth minute. The FA believes the standard punishment for this offence is clearly insufficient under the circumstances.
Liam Roberts has until Thursday, 6 March, to provide a response.”
Should the claim be upheld, a Regulatory Commission will review the case and determine whether Roberts’ suspension should be extended.
Mateta’s Injury and Reactions
Roberts’ reckless challenge saw him rush out of his penalty area and collide forcefully with Mateta, making direct contact with the striker’s head. The French forward received 10 minutes of medical attention on the pitch before being stretchered off wearing a neck brace and taken to the hospital. He has since been discharged.
The tackle has sparked widespread condemnation. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish described it as “the most reckless I’ve ever seen,” emphasizing the severe danger it posed to Mateta.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher also suggested that Roberts could face an extended ban due to the dangerous nature of the challenge.
Meanwhile, as Mateta was receiving treatment on the pitch, some Millwall supporters were heard chanting, “Let him die, let him die.” Though the incident has been widely condemned, the club is unlikely to face disciplinary action, as the chants do not violate existing regulations.
In Millwall’s next match at The Den, fans showed their support for Roberts by applauding in the eighth minute—the moment he was sent off in Saturday’s game.
FA Investigates Homophobic Chants
Separately, the FA has launched an investigation into allegedly homophobic chants aimed at Ben Chilwell, who is currently on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea. However, Millwall is not expected to face sanctions unless the chants are found to have breached FA regulations.
