Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta
(Credit: Imago / BBC Sport)
Keith Hackett
Wed 5 March 2025 19:21, UK
Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts must get an extended ban for his shocking challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta to avoid sending the “wrong message” after a statement from The FA, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that with a world-wide audience, a message needs to be sent after Crystal Palace‘s star striker required 25 stitches.
Referee Michael Oliver was slammed for his failure to show a red card to the Lions’ shot-stopper, with a VAR intervention overturning his initial decision to show a yellow card.
Following the injury, Millwall fans chanted ‘let him die’ whilst Mateta received treatment on the pitch, before being taken to hospital.
However, The FA have no plans to sanction Millwall for their fan’s chants, instead turning their attention to chants of “Chelsea rent boy” aimed at Ben Chilwell.
The FA seek longer ban for Millwall keeper Liam Roberts
Roberts is serving an automatic three-match ban after his sending off, having already missed Millwall’s 2-0 defeat to Bristol City on Tuesday (4 March).
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However, that punishment has left The FA unsatisfied, and the organisation said in a statement: “The FA has submitted a claim seeking to increase Liam Roberts’ sanction following his sending off in the FA Cup tie between Millwall and Palace on Saturday, March 1.
Liam Roberts current ban opponents: Competition Date
Bristol City (H) Championship 4 March
Watford (A) Championship 8 March
Leeds (A) Championship 12 March
“The goalkeeper was sent off for serious foul play around the 6th minute. The FA claims that in the circumstances the standard punishment for this offence is clearly insufficient.”
An independent regulatory commission will decide on whether the claim made by The FA is justifiable, with a decision expected next week.
Whilst Roberts has not been the first choice goalkeeper for the Lions this season, appearing only twice in the Championship, The FA still want to see an extension to his punishment.
Referee Michael Oliver
Michael Oliver was criticised for his decision against Liam Roberts (Credit Imago)
Ex-PGMOL chief gives ban verdict after Jean-Philippe Mateta injury
Following the statement from The FA, former PGMOL chief, Hackett, gave his expert opinion on the matter to Football Insider exclusively, saying:
“The ban on the goalkeeper [Liam Roberts] for that challenge on Mateta must be a minimum five games.
“If it is only three [games], then it sends out the wrong message to ever goalkeeper playing the game around the world.
“Yes, our games are viewed in 211 territories around the world.”
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