Millwall goalkeeper sent off for reckless challenge on Palace forward Mateta in FA Cup

By Canadian Press on March 1, 2025.

LONDON (AP) — Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off just eight minutes into Saturday’s FA Cup game against Crystal Palace after a wildly reckless challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta that led to the forward being carried off on a stretcher.

Roberts rushed outside the 18-yard box and leaped to clear a long ball but his high left-footed follow-through struck Mateta in the side of the face.

Mateta remained on the ground for several minutes and needed lengthy medical treatment before he was fitted with a neck brace and carried off the field toward an ambulance.

Referee Michael Oliver initially did not even show Roberts a yellow card despite being only a few yards away from the incident but then brandished a straight red after being called over by VAR to review the incident on a pitchside monitor.

Mateta is Palace’s leading scorer with 12 Premier League goals this season. ___

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The Associated Press