Goalkeeper Millwall Liam Roberts has been banned by six games for horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta

Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been banned from six games for his challenge at Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Roberts came from his goal Six minutes last Saturday in the Fifth Circle Fa Cup in Selhurst Park And grabbed Mateta in the head with a high boot, leaving a Frenchman who required 25 stings around his left ear.

Referee Michael Oliver missed the incident, but Roberts was in a redflake after the intervention of a video assistant.

The Independent Regulatory Commission confirmed the FA’s claim to increase the suspension of Millwall Liam Roberts.

Complete statement: https://t.co/cpodisgcqa pic.twitter.com/b8avgr0dlh

– spokesman FA (@faspokesperson) March 7, 2025

This brings a normal sanction of three games, but Fa claimed that it guaranteed more and took over their case with an independent regulatory commission, which agreed to double it in six games.

The written reasons for the regulatory commission for his decisions will be published in the near future.

Roberts served his first game of his ban on Tuesday night because Millwall lost 2-0 at Bristol City at home in the championship.

Fans of Millwall showed their support to Roberts, who suffered abuse online, with minutes of applause.

The club says they “respect” today’s decision even though they are “disappointed with the outcome”.

Roberts publishes a statement

Roberts also posted a statement that read: “Hello everyone.

“As the dust goes down, I want to deal with what was really a difficult week for all interested, including my family and I.

“First, Jean-Philippe, whom I still send to my best wishes in his recovery. As soon as I could, I personally addressed Jean-Philippe to apologize, and I was grateful that I told that night he was fine and assured me not to worry.

Statement from #Millwall Football Club and Liam Roberts.

– Millwall FC (@millwallfc) March 7, 2025

“I am devastated by what happened. I unequivocally accept the red card as it was assigned and accepted my punishment. Furthermore, it was extremely annoying to observe the proposals that I intended to harm my colleague Professional.

“Incorrect articles and comments resulted in an unimaginable amount of abused messages and threats to my family and I. The football community that knows me and reached for support through this difficult time, thank you, I appreciate every single message.

“Finally, I want to tell a big thank you to everyone who is related to Millwall football club for continuous support. Communion in this club is unique and I can’t wait to go back to the field in front of our fans.

“Be kind. Take care.

“Robbo.”