 "Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts struck Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta on the head while attempting a dangerous clearance of the ball just minutes after kickoff in the FA Cup fifth round clash at Selhurst Park. Reuters")
In a shocking incident that took place during the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, traveling fans of second-division club Millwall began to sing “Let him die” after Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta suffered a horrific injury.
The incident took place minutes after kick-off at Selhurst Park. Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts charged out of the penalty area in an attempt to clear the ball, and recklessly hit Mateta on the head with his boot, leaving the French striker with a “nasty gash” behind his ear.
A majority of those present at Palace’s home ground in London fell silent as Mateta received lengthy medical treatment on the pitch, including oxygen support. He had to be stretchered to the ambulance that transported him to a hospital.
Millwall fans condemned for their vile chants
Millwall’s fans, however, were heard singing the offensive chant that was slammed on-air by BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce. “Millwall fans are not endearing themselves to anyone with their chant about Mateta. The club could be revisited about that,” Pearce said.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Paris, meanwhile, described Roberts’ challenge as the “most reckless” he had ever witnessed.
“That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen and I think he needs to have a long hard look at himself, that lad, because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe his life, with a challenge like that,” Parish told the BBC.
Mateta had charged towards the Millwall goalpost after responding to a clever through ball by Will Hughes. The 27-year-old was fighting for the ball with Millwall centre-back Jake Cooper when Roberts brought the game to a halt with his boot.
Referee Michael Oliver, however, did not issue a red card right away, and made the booking only after a VAR review of the challenge.
Mateta, meanwhile, assured his fans later on Saturday that he was “doing well” in the hospital.
“Thank you for all your kind messages. I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever. Well done guys for a great job today,” Mateta wrote in a ‘Story’ on Instagram.
Chilwell not spared either
That wasn’t all from the traveling fans though – they also targeted Ben Chilwell with a “Chelsea rent boy” chant. Chilwell’s representing Palace this season on a loan move from Chelsea, the club he has been part of since 2020.
According to British tabloid Daily Mirror, Millwall aren’t likely to be punished by the Football Association for their fans’ deplorable chants at Selhurst Park as it does not breach protocols.
The club, however, could be in trouble for the chant directed towards Chilwell for the usage of homophobic language.
Palace, meanwhile, made the most of the numerical advantage following the red card to Roberts, winning the south London derby meeting with Millwall 3-1.
An own goal by Japhet Tanganga put the Eagles in the lead while Daniel Munoz and Eddie Nketiah were also on target.
Wes Harding helped Millwall halve the deficit with a goal deep into stoppage time shortly before the half-time whistle.
Nketiah’s 81st-minute strike, however, restored a two-goal cushion for Palace and put the result of the game beyond doubt.