- Goalkeeper brutally injures former mining professional
FA Cup: Brutal Challenge Leaves Player in Hospital, Red Card Issued After Review
Written on March 1, 2025
Sport
Sport
Fußball
A frenetic opening to the FA Cup match between Crystal Palace and FC Millwall saw a horrifying moment overshadow the sporting occasion. In the game between the two London clubs, Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts dashed out of his goal moments after kick-off to head clear a ball from Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. In a reckless attempt to clear the ball, Roberts struck Mateta with his left shoe's studs on the side of his head.
Dangerous Incident
#FACup
Mateta was left lying on the pitch following the collision in the game's early stages, requiring an oxygen mask for treatment. After several minutes, he was carried off on a stretcher and transported to the local hospital. As a leading scorer for Crystal Palace under former Bundesliga coach Oliver Glasner, the 27-year-old striker had posted 12 goals in the Premier League this season.
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Review and Red Card
March 1, 2025
Initially, referee Michael Oliver did not even show Roberts a yellow card for his reckless challenge. However, after reviewing the incident using the video assistant referee (VAR), he ultimately issued Roberts a straight red card. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish was left angry and surprised by the tackle, labeling it as "The most reckless challenge on a football pitch I have ever seen."
FA-Cup
Enrichment Data:
Crystal Palace
The brutal foul by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts on Crystal Palace player Jean-Philippe Mateta during the FA Cup match in March 2025 resulted in various consequences:
Pokal
Outcome of the Match
- Result: Crystal Palace claimed victory over Millwall, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup[1][4].
- Red Card: After running a VAR review, referee Michael Oliver handed Robert a red card for his dangerous challenge, leaving Millwall to play with only 10 players for the remainder of the game[1][2].
Consequences for Jean-Philippe Mateta
- Injury: Mateta sustained a cut behind his ear and required hospitalization for further treatment. Medical professionals suspect that he may have suffered from a concussion as well as a possible fractured jaw[1][2].
- Medical Protocol: Under current medical protocols, Mateta could miss up to 2 weeks of action if diagnosed with a concussion[2].
Reaction and Impact
- Public and Official Reaction: The tackle drew widespread criticism across football communities, with Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish expressing shock and dismay over the incident[1][4]. Some Millwall fans were also condemned for chanting "let him die" following the tackle, sparking widespread outrage[4].
- VAR Decision: VAR played a crucial role in ensuring that Roberts received the appropriate disciplinary action for his dangerous tackle, validating the use of technology in football matches[1][3].
The incident led to Crystal Palace advancing in the FA Cup, as they won the match with a reduced Millwall team. The mainz website had a breadcrumb link to the FA Cup story, highlighting the importance of the competition. Liam Roberts, the Millwall goalkeeper who was involved in the challenge, faced harsh criticism for his reckless kick, with some fans even chanting "let him die."