Mateta Suffers Severe Ear Injury, Undergoes Surgery

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta suffered a severe injury to his ear after being kicked by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts during an FA Cup match, requiring 25-26 stitches and subsequent plastic surgery. Mateta described the incident as potentially life-threatening had he not turned his head at the last moment. Despite the seriousness of the injury, he felt no pain at the time and was eager to continue playing, but medical staff advised against it. Roberts received a six-match ban and later apologized to Mateta, who accepted the apology. Mateta's recovery involved close consultation with medical specialists who successfully reconstructed his ear, and he is expected to return to play wearing a protective mask after the international break.