Why Did Millwall Goalkeeper Liam Roberts Get Banned?

Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has received a six-match suspension for his tackle on Jean-Philippe Mateta that left the Crystal Palace forward hospitalized. Roberts’ elevated boot resulted in Mateta needing 25 stitches in his left ear after they collided while contesting the ball during last Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round match at Selhurst Park, prompting Palace chairman Steve Parish to label it as “the most reckless challenge I’ve ever seen.”

The Football Association filed a request to increase the suspension from the usual three matches, arguing that three games were “clearly insufficient” for the infringement, and the governing body announced on Friday that an independent regulatory panel had imposed a six-match ban on Roberts.
Millwall expressed they are “disappointed with the outcome, but respect the process that has been undertaken.” In the meantime, Roberts stated that he is “devastated” by the incident and reached out to Mateta “immediately” following the match.

The Lions goalkeeper also mentioned he accepted the punishment in a statement on his club’s website. Palace won the match 3-1 to advance to the next round even though their in-form striker Mateta had to be substituted just 15 minutes into the game. Japhet Tanganga scored an own goal while Eddie Nketiah and Daniel Munoz also netted.

Millwall and Palace share a notorious and somewhat contentious rivalry, and this incident has only heightened the tensions in London between the two clubs. Millwall fans have carefully cultivated a reputation for aggressive behavior. Once upon a time, when football violence was an integral part of the fan experience, Millwall thrived in the practice, reveling in their recognition as a top firm, a collective of tough, predominantly white, working-class men.