Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts
Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has released a statement after being hit with a six match ban
Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has wished Jean-Philippe Mateta well in a statement addressing his sending off last weekend.
The Lions stopper, 30, was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on the Crystal Palace striker in the 3-1 defeat away at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup. Roberts has since been handed an extended six match ban after an independent Regulatory Commission upheld a claim from The Football Association seeking harsher sanctions.
Roberts, who has already missed one game since the incident, released a statement saying he 'unequivocally accepted' his punishment before revealing Mateta 'reassured him not to worry' after reaching out to the Frenchman following the match.
The goalkeeper also hit out at a number of 'misleading articles and comments' which resulted in him and his family being subjected to an 'unthinkable amount of abuse'.
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He said: "Hello everyone. As the dust settles, I want to address what has been a really difficult week for all involved, including my family and I.
"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.
"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.
Roberts was sent off in Millwall's 3-1 loss away at Crystal Palace ( Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
"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 wanted to say a huge thank you to everybody connected with Millwall Football Club for their continued support. The togetherness throughout the club is unique, and I can't wait to be back out on the pitch in front of our fans.
"Be kind. Take care, Robbo."
Millwall also issued a brief statement of their own expressing their disappointment with the decision to hand Roberts a longer ban.
The club wrote: "Millwall Football Club has been notified by the Football Association that Liam Roberts has received an additional three match suspension following his red card against Crystal Palace on Saturday 1st March 2025.
"Whilst the club is disappointed with the outcome, it respects the process that has been undertaken."
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