Millwall goalie sent off for horror challenge that's shocked the football world
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was carried from the pitch on a stretcher in a neck brace after a horror challenge that has shocked the football world.
In the eigth minute of Palace's FA Cup clash against Millwall, Mateta was kicked in the head by 'keeper Liam Roberts in a horror challenge at the top of the box.
After a VAR check, that in itself has come under fire, Roberts was given a red card. The match was delayed more than 10 minutes while medics gave Mateta oxygen before stretchering him from the field.
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At half time, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish labelled the challenge "the most reckless" he'd ever seen.
"In all the time I've watched football, I've never seen a challenge like it," he told the BBC.
Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off for this horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta. Offside via Getty Images
"I looked to see how old the 'keeper was – he's 30 years old. That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I've ever seen.
"He needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad because he's endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life with a challenge like that.
"It's very difficult for me to talk about the rest of the game because we were worried about JP, and it's just a terrible, terrible challenge."
Millwall fans have also come under fire for chanting "let him die" while Metata was receiving treatment.
The FA has confirmed it will also investigate homophobic chants directed at Palace midfielder Ben Chilwell.
Metata will undergo surgery on a deep gash to his ear, but took to social media to confirm he was "doing well".
"I hope to be back very soon and stronger than ever. Well done guys for the great job today," he said.
Metata had been in brilliant form for Palace this season, scoring 15 goals in 33 appearances, including eight in his past eight Premier League matches.
Palace eventually ran out 3-1 winners to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
