Crystal Palace striker Jean Philippe-Mateta was hospitalized after Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts’ “reckless” challenge in Saturday’s 3-1 FA Cup fifth round win. Roberts was sent off eight minutes into the south London derby at Selhurst Park after hitting Mateta’s head with his boot while racing out of the penalty area to clear the ball.
After a VAR review, referee Michael Oliver punished Roberts for regaining the ball and accidently hitting Mateta’s head. Mateta was stretchered to an ambulance and sent to hospital after lengthy treatment on the pitch, including oxygen.
“I appreciate your warm messages. Am going good. I hope to return shortly. Stronger than ever. “Great job guys today,” Mateta commented on Instagram.
Mateta’s ear injury was significant, but Palace manager Oliver Glasner warned it could have terminated his career.
“Just imagine if he hits his face straight, with his power, with the studs, it is the end of JP’s career,” he remarked.
“I’m pretty sure he didn’t want to injure JP in this situation, but I also think that you have to decide when you make such an impact, you just can’t do it in this way.”
Mateta had eight goals in his previous nine games and 15 for Palace this season. Palace chairman Steve Parish called it the “most reckless challenge” ever.
“That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen and I think he needs to have a long hard look at himself, that lad, because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe his life, with a challenge like that,” Parish said.
