
Exclusive: Crystal Palace to push FA over shock Mateta and Chilwell news v Millwall
Keith Hackett has slammed a “ridiculous” decision after chants were aimed at Crystal Palace stars Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ben Chilwell.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider he hoped the Eagles will challenge the FA on their decision not to sanction Millwall fans after chants of “let him die” were aimed at the French striker.
Mateta was floored by a reckless challenge from Liam Roberts in the eighth minute, with the former Mainz striker being taken to hospital for treatment.
Referee Michael Oliver was criticised for his failure to initially send off Roberts, and only showed the English goalkeeper a red card after an intervention from VAR.
Following the injury to their talismanic striker, Palace bounced back to handily dispatch of Millwall 3-1, and progress through to the next round of the FA Cup.
Chelsea chant at Ben Chilwell set for action, but not Jean-Philippe Mateta
Following the heinous chants aimed at Man United target Mateta, Chilwell was also the target of some vitriolic comments from Millwall fans.
The Lions travelling fanbase took a beat from watching their side be comfortably beaten by their London rivals, to chant “Chelsea rent boy” at the England international, on-loan from the Blues.
The Daily Mail’s Kieran Gill reported from Selhurst Park, The FA will be investigating the abuse aimed at Chilwell, but in a surprising twist, the “let him die” chants would not be probed as “it does not breach regulations.”
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-PGMOL chief, Hackett, gave his expert insight on the decision by the FA, and was highly critical, saying: “That borders on the ridiculous, and I hope Crystal Palace will take that issue up with them.”
Match stats | Crystal Palace | Millwall |
Possession | 76% | 24% |
Shots (on target) | 17 (6) | 6 (2) |
Expected goals | 2.46 | 0.35 |
Yellow cards | 0 | 2 |
Red cards | 0 | 1 |
Crystal Palace overcome brutal injuries and awful chants to beat Millwall
Despite losing Mateta early on, Eddie Nketiah shone for the Eagles in their win over the Lions.
The English striker led the line well, having the ball in the back of the net just moments after his introduction, but saw that attempt ruled out.
Following an own goal from Japhet Tanganga, and a strike from Daniel Munoz, Nketiah would have his rewards for a fine performance, scoring a great header in the 81st minute.
Palace’s win over their rivals was richly deserved, as is a punishment for the awful behaviour from Millwall fans.