Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has stated that Liam Roberts’ challenge endangered Jean-Philippe Mateta’s life.
In-form Crystal Palace striker Mateta was urgently taken to the hospital after a severe tackle from the Millwall goalkeeper in the first half of their FA Cup fifth-round match.
Roberts kicked the striker in the head while attempting to clear the ball, a reckless challenge resembling a kung-fu kick, which led to his sending off.
Parish was shocked and expressed his anger during an interview with the BBC during the game.
He stated: “So far, we know that he has a severe cut behind his ear and a head injury. He is currently in the hospital, and we hope for the best.”
“There is a lot of passion in football, but we need to address this challenge.”
“In all my years of watching football, I have never witnessed a challenge like this.”
“I checked the goalkeeper’s age; he is 30 years old.”
“This is the most irresponsible challenge I believe I have ever seen on a football field.”
“And that player needs to seriously reconsider his actions.”
“Because he is putting a fellow professional’s life, perhaps even his life, at risk with such a challenge.”
Parish was astounded that referee Michael Oliver needed to review the incident before dismissing Roberts.
He added: “It’s hard for me to focus on the rest of the game because we are concerned about JP in the hospital. It was a truly awful challenge.”
“That goalkeeper showed no consideration for the safety of another professional.”
“Someone mentioned a similar incident in the 1982 World Cup.”
“But it’s a terrible challenge, and I don’t understand why the referee needed to look at the screen.”
“Forget about him being a football player; he is a human being. That is not a normal challenge.”
“If you kick someone in the head with full force, who knows what damage has been inflicted.”
Parts of the Millwall fans mockingly chanted, “Let him die,” about Mateta’s injury.
Palace quickly took a 2-0 lead in the first half with an own goal from Japhet Tanganga and a goal from Daniel Munoz.
Despite being down to ten men, Millwall reduced the score in first-half added time with a goal from Wes Harding.
Millwall fought hard, but their hopes for a quarter-final spot were ended by a superb header from substitute Eddie Nketiah.
