LONDON – In an FA Cup fixture held on Saturday between Millwall and Crystal Palace, an early dismissal dramatically changed the game’s outlook. Millwall’s goalkeeper, Liam Roberts, faced an ejection only eight minutes into the match due to a dangerously irresponsible tackle on Crystal Palace’s forward, Jean-Philippe Mateta, which resulted in the player being carried off the field on a stretcher.
The incident occurred when Roberts dashed out of his goal area, attempting to clear a long pass. Unfortunately, his aggressive left-footed follow-through made contact with Mateta’s face, striking the forward in the head.
Mateta, a key player for Palace, remained on the pitch for several minutes receiving extensive medical care. Concerned medics eventually placed him in a neck brace and transported him to a waiting ambulance.
Initially, the referee, Michael Oliver, did not issue a yellow card to Roberts despite being in close proximity to the incident. However, upon intervention from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Oliver reviewed the incident using the pitchside monitor and subsequently issued a straight red card to the Millwall keeper.
Mateta is having a standout season for Crystal Palace, having scored 12 goals in the Premier League this term, making his absence potentially significant for the team’s ongoing campaign.
