Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been handed an extra three-match ban for his horrific challenge on Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta in the FA Cup fifth round last weekend, Afrosport reports.
Roberts was given a straight red card for a high challenge on Mateta’s face which required him to have 25 stitches in his ear.
He was initially given a three-match ban but after further deliberation, the FA decided to ban the 30-year-old for a further three games.
Roberts has already served a one match ban in the Championship against Bristol City but will now miss games against Watford, Leeds United, Stoke City, Sunderland and Portsmouth.
Reacting to the further ban, the former Middlesbrough player reiterated he did not intend to harm Mateta.
“…Firstly, to Jean-Philippe, who I continue to send my best wishes to in his recovery. As soon as I could, I reached out to Jean-Philippe personally to apologise, and I was thankful to hear back from him that evening that he was OK and reassured me not to worry,” he said.
“I am devastated by what happened. I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment. Furthermore, it has been extremely unpleasant to observe suggestions that I intended to harm a fellow professional. I have categorically never stepped onto a football pitch with the intention of hurting anyone.
“Misleading articles and comments have resulted in an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats towards my family and I. To the footballing community who know me and reached out with support through this tough time, thank you, I appreciate every single message.
“Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody connected to Millwall Football Club for their continued support. The togetherness throughout this club is unique, and I can’t wait to be back out on the pitch in front of our fans…”
Meanwhile, Palace boss Oliver Glasner provided an update on the health of Mateta, stating he will not be available for this weekend’s Premier League game against Ipswich Town but will be after the March International break when they take on Fulham.
“Mateta is doing well. He is at home and recovering well. He had no fractures or concussion and healing from the huge wound is going as we expected,” the Austrian tactician said.
“He will go to Marbella with us next week and he will be just training individually. If everything goes how we wish, he will be available against Fulham [after the March international break].
“We lose JP for this game – we can’t play him tomorrow – but it’s not too bad.”
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Mateta is Crystal Palace’s leading scorer this season with 15 goals in 33 competitive games, 12 of them coming in the Premier League.
