Millwall condemns abuse of Liam Roberts after Mateta incident

Millwall Football Club has condemned the 'disgusting' online abuse directed at goalkeeper Liam Roberts following his red card for a head-high tackle on Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta during an FA Cup match. Mateta required 25 stitches for a severe laceration to his ear after the incident, which was described by Palace chairman Steve Parish as the 'most reckless challenge' he has seen. In response to the backlash, Millwall stated that the reporting and suggestions that Roberts intended to harm Mateta have contributed to an unwarranted character assassination of the player. The club emphasized that no player steps onto the pitch with the intent to harm another and continues to support Roberts, who has personally apologized to Mateta. Meanwhile, the Football Association is considering whether Roberts’ punishment should be extended beyond the initial three-match ban due to the severity of the challenge. Millwall expressed relief at hearing positive updates about Mateta's recovery after he was discharged from the hospital.