Exclusive: Millwall’s Liam Roberts faces ‘minimum’ 5-game ban for Mateta horror
Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts must receive an extended ban over the usual three games after a “horrendous challenge” on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider there was “no room” for a challenge like Roberts’ in the game of football.
Referee Michael Oliver failed to immediately show Roberts a red card for his foul on the French striker, instead opting to rely on VAR to call him over to the monitor.
Just eight minutes in to a feisty affair between the two London rivals, the goalkeeper came flying out to intercept a long pass, and instead caught Man United target Mateta squarely on the side of his head with his studs.
There was an extended stoppage in play, as the former Mainz striker received medical care for his injury, with Millwall fans using the delay as an opportunity to voice their disdain at VAR, and the French striker himself.
Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts to get extended ban
Following a 13 minute delay in proceedings, Mateta was stretchered off and taken straight to hospital to receive treatment for his head injury.
The recklessness of the challenge was criticised by Hackett, who told Football Insider exclusively he expected the goalkeeper to receive an extended ban, over and above the standard three-match punishment usually given.
| Some of English footballs longest bans for fouls | Player | Incident |
| 12 games | Calvin Andrew | Rochdale striker Andrew was given a 12-game ban for elbowing Peter Clarke in 2016. |
| 11 games | Paulo Di Canio | The Italian striker was sent off for Sheffield Wednesday for shoving referee Paul Alcock. |
| 10 games | Luis Suarez | Liverpool striker Suarez was given a ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic |
| 8 games | Aleksandar Mitrovic | The Serbian striker was handed a ban for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh against Man United in the FA Cup. |
The ex-PGMOL chief said: “That horrendous challenge by Liam Roberts of Millwall on Mateta is totally and utterly unacceptable.
“His punishment must be an extension above the normal three-match ban. There is no room for this challenge in the game of football.
“The challenge by the goalkeeper warrants a minimum five-game ban.”
Mateta was then taken straight to hospital following the incident, being replaced by Eddie Nketiah a summer signing from Arsenal.
Crystal Palace bounce back following traumatic injury to Jean-Philippe Mateta
Despite the appalling nature of Mateta’s injury, the Eagles were resolute and determined against their rivals, taking a 2-1 lead against the Lions.
Palace took the lead thanks to an own goal from Japhet Tanganga, after Will Hughes fizzed in a fantastic cross from the left-hand side.
Man City target Daniel Munoz then scored his fifth goal in all competitions this season, and despite a goal from Wes Harding for Millwall, the Premier League outfit kept control of the game.
Nketiah sealed the win for Palace in the 81st minute, scoring a well deserved header, following a knock-on from Chris Richards.