The FA is deliberating on whether to file an appeal to extend Liam Roberts’ ban following his horror challenge on Jean-Phillipe Mateta.
Just six minutes into the game at Selhurst Park, Roberts dashed off his line and attempted to clear the ball in the air but ended up kicking Mateta in the face. The 27-year-old Crystal Palace forward required lengthy on-pitch attention and appeared to lose consciousness.
The striker has been discharged from the hospital with 25 stitches on his left ear. He also posted on Instagram updating fans on his condition writing “I’m doing well. I hope to be back soon and stronger than ever “
The FA has until 13:00 on Tuesday to submit an appeal to challenge the three-game suspension that the 30-year-old goalkeeper has already received to be extended.
A Regulatory Commission will hear the appeal, Millwall and Roberts will have until 18:00 on Thursday to provide evidence to the Commission as to why they feel the three-game suspension is “clearly sufficient”. If the appeal is successful, the Regulatory Commission will give out a new punishment to Roberts.
With 15 years of refereeing in the Premier from 1992-2007, Former referee Dermot Gallagher believes “Justice was done,” as the Millwall ‘keeper did not intend to hurt Mateta. He also added that “The FA always has the power to increase a ban if it’s warranted.”
Millwall also released a statement pointing out that the goalkeeper never intended to hurt anyone. The Club also reached out to Crystal Palace and Jean-Phillipe for an apology which was accepted immediately.
Millwall wrote: “The club is disgusted by abuse directed towards goalkeeper Liam Roberts following Saturday’s unfortunate collision with Jean Philippe Mateta. The reporting on the matter, as well as disgraceful suggestions made by certain news organisations and high-profile figures within the sport that Liam intended to harm Jean-Philippe, has contributed to the unwarranted character assassination of Liam and fuelled abhorrent online abuse towards him.
No player at Millwall Football Club steps onto the pitch with the intent to harm another, and the club will continue to support Liam, who reached out to Jean-Philippe personally on Saturday evening with an apology which was accepted immediately. The club is pleased to hear positive updates from Jean-Philippe and wish him the best in his recovery.”
