Millwall’s goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been banned for six games for his challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta that led to the Crystal Palace striker receiving 25 stitches in his left ear.
The Football Association pushed for a longer suspension than the standard three matches and that claim was upheld by an independent regulatory commission.
An FA statement said: “The FA claimed that – in the circumstances – the standard punishment for this offence was clearly insufficient, and Liam Roberts subsequently denied this.”
Quick Guide
How do I sign up for sport breaking news alerts?
Show
- Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for ‘The Guardian’.
- If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.
- In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications.
- Turn on sport notifications.
Roberts was shown a red card for serious foul play eight minutes into Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie, after running outside the area and raising his left boot in a high challenge on the Crystal Palace striker. The incident was described by the Palace chairman, Steve Parrish, as the “most reckless” he had seen.
Millwall said they were disappointed with the length of ban but that they respected the process undertaken. In a statement on the club’s website Roberts said it had been “a really difficult week for all concerned” and sent his best wishes to Mateta.
“As soon as I could, I reached out to Jean-Philippe personally to apologise, and I was thankful to hear back from him that evening that he was OK and reassured me not to worry,” Roberts said. “I am devastated by what happened. I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment. Furthermore, it has been extremely unpleasant to observe suggestions that I intended to harm a fellow professional. I have categorically never stepped on to a football pitch with the intention of hurting anyone.
“Misleading articles and comments have resulted in an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats towards my family and I. To the footballing community who know me and reached out with support through this tough time, thank you, I appreciate every single message.”
Millwall fans held a minute’s applause in solidarity with Roberts in Tuesday’s Championship defeat by Bristol City, at the same point when he had been sent off at Selhurst Park.
after newsletter promotion
“I want to say a huge thank you to everybody connected to Millwall Football Club for their continued support,” Roberts said. “The togetherness throughout this club is unique, and I can’t wait to be back out on the pitch in front of our fans. Be kind.”
Leave a Reply