Roberts Receives Six-Match Ban After Mateta Tackle

Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has had his initial three-match ban for a serious foul play incident against Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta increased to six matches by the Football Association (FA). The incident occurred early in the FA Cup match when Roberts collided with Mateta, who required hospitalization and received 25 stitches for a head injury. Following the incident, Palace chairman Steve Parish condemned the tackle as the 'most reckless challenge' he has witnessed. The FA argued that the original punishment was 'clearly insufficient', leading to an independent regulatory commission's decision to extend the suspension. Roberts has acknowledged his actions and expressed regret, stating he never intended to harm Mateta. The FA's move to escalate the ban aligns with precedents where increased sanctions were applied for dangerous plays in football.