Mateta was kicked in the face by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts last week
Sarr netted an 82-minute winner for Crystal Palace against Ipswich on Saturday
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By HARRY BAMFORTH
Published: 13:23 EST, 8 March 2025 | Updated: 13:23 EST, 8 March 2025
Ismaila Sarr paid tribute to injured team-mate Jean-Philippe Mateta by replicating the striker's celebration after his winning goal against Ipswich at Selhurst Park.
In what was a far-from electric game in south London, Sarr netted the only goal of the afternoon eight minutes from time to down the Tractor Boys.
In-form striker Mateta was unavailable for the Eagles after being hospitalised following a horror tackle in Palace's FA Cup fifth-round win over Milwall last week.
The Frenchman required 25 stitches after the Championship side’s goalkeeper Liam Roberts hurtled into his head at speed.
Mateta is not expected to return to the Palace side until their FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham at the end of March, as his ear continues to heel.
And with the striker absent, Sarr took the opportunity to pay his respects to his team-mate by celebrating his goal by kicking the corner flag in the way that Mateta usually does after scoring a goal.
Ismaila Sarr replicated Jean-Philippe Mateta's staple celebration when scoring against Ipswich
Sarr netted the only goal of the game in the 82nd minute to secure three points for Palace
Mateta, who is recovering from getting 25 stitches in his ear, usually celebrates by kicking the corner flag after scoring
Mateta has netted 12 Premier League goals this season and most often performs the karate kick on the flag after scoring, before 'Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom' by the Venga Boys is blasted out over the speakers.
Palace do not now play until after the international break as they set off on a warm-weather training camp to Marbella.
Mateta will travel to Spain with the rest of the squad, however, he will start the camp by training alone.
Millwall goalkeeper Roberts has been handed a six-match ban for the 'karate kick' style challenge that sent Mateta to hospital during last weekend's FA Cup tie.
It was reported earlier this week that the FA were calling for an extended suspension following Roberts' horror challenge, and they confirmed an independent commission's decision on Friday afternoon.
The FA statement read: 'An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld The FA’s claim to increase the suspension of Millwall’s Liam Roberts.
'The goalkeeper was sent off on Saturday, 1 March, for serious foul play around the 6th minute of the FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace.
'The FA claimed that - in the circumstances - the standard punishment for this offence was clearly insufficient, and Liam Roberts subsequently denied this.
Mateta was hospitalised after being kicked in the head during an FA Cup win over Milwall
The Frenchman was given an oxygen mask before being taken off the pitch on a stretcher
Liam Roberts has been banned for six matchesfor the incident, after being sent off in the match
'Following a hearing, the Regulatory Commission upheld The FA’s claim, set aside the standard three-match punishment, and instead imposed a six-match ban.
'The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.'
Roberts responded to the lengthy ban by revealing that he had reached out to Mateta to apologise for the incident.
However, he denied there was any malice behind his tackle and hit out at the abusive messages he has received in the aftermath of the incident.
Mateta's absence gave Eddie Nketiah - who has scored two goals in his last two games - the chance to shine up top.
Nevertheless, the Englishman failed to take the opportunity and it took Sarr's late winner to ensure that Paolace won their third match on the spin.