Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been handed a six-match ban for his challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in the FA Cup last weekend
17:17, 07 Mar 2025
Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts
Liam Roberts issued an emotional statement(Image: Sebastian Frej/MB Media)
Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has sent an emotional message to Jean-Philippe Mateta after he was banned for six games over his horror tackle on the Crystal Palace striker.
Roberts, 30, faces an extended ban after he rushed out of his goal and when trying to clear the ball and kicked the French forward in the side of the head - leaving him requiring 25 stitches in one ear - during their FA Cup clash last Saturday.
Following Roberts' red card in the 3-1 victory for Palace, the Football Association pushing for a tougher sanction beyond the mandatory three-match ban, which was today confirmed by an independent Regulatory Commission.
Owning up to his actions, the goalkeeper announced he 'unequivocally accepted' the punishment. He also shared that after speaking with Mateta post-game, the Palace player encouraged him not to fret over the incident.Amid the fallout, Roberts slammed what he perceived as "misleading articles and comments", expressing distress over the level of abuse hurled towards him and his loved ones, reports the Mirror.
Millwall's Liam Roberts fouling Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta
Millwall's Liam Roberts fouling Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Roberts 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.
Don't miss a thing with football updates!
Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Football email newsletter!
From the latest transfer news to breaking stories, get it all in your email inbox.
How do you sign up?
It only takes a matter of seconds.
Simply click on this link, then provide your email address and that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top football stories.
You can also sign up for our sport email, Off the Ball, for all the latest darts, boxing, snooker, F1 stories and more, right here
"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."
Article continues below
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."