FA seek to extend Milwall keeper Roberts’ ban for dangerous Mateta challenge

The Football Association is seeking to extend the three-match suspension handed to Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts following his dangerous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta during their FA Cup fifth-round clash.

Roberts was shown a red card just eight minutes into the match at Selhurst Park on Saturday after a high challenge that left Mateta requiring 25 stitches around his left ear.

The FA has deemed the standard three-game suspension for serious foul play as “clearly insufficient” and has submitted an appeal to a regulatory commission in hopes of increasing the ban.

Millwall intends to challenge the FA’s claim and has until Tuesday to formally respond.

A club statement affirmed that they will “continue to support” Roberts, who has been subjected to “horrendous online abuse” following the incident.

Should the FA’s request be granted, the commission will determine a new penalty for Roberts. If rejected, the initial three-game suspension will stand.

A precedent for such cases exists. In 2023, Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic had his three-match ban extended to eight after he pushed referee Chris Kavanagh during an FA Cup loss to Manchester United.

Conversely, in 2013, an attempt to increase Chelsea forward Eden Hazard’s suspension was dismissed after he was sent off for kicking a 17-year-old ball boy during a League Cup match against Swansea.

The FA is looking to extend Millwall keeper Liam Roberts’ three-game ban following his red card in the FA Cup. pic.twitter.com/TRg6BR1f6N

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 5, 2025

Palace Chairman Condemns Roberts

Palace chairman Steve Parish did not hold back in his criticism of the tackle, describing it as “the most reckless I’ve ever seen” and asserting that Roberts “endangered a fellow professional and maybe his life.”

Meanwhile, Millwall have expressed frustration over how the incident has been portrayed, stating that media coverage has led to an “unwarranted character assassination” of Roberts.

The club also noted that Roberts reached out to Mateta after the match to apologise, and his apology was “accepted immediately.”

Millwall Fans Rally Behind Roberts

Roberts has already begun serving his suspension, missing Millwall’s 2-0 defeat to Bristol City in the Championship on Tuesday.

During the match, Millwall supporters showed their backing for him by holding a minute’s applause in the eighth minute while chanting, “There’s only one Liam Roberts.” However, some sections of the crowd responded with boos.

Match official Michael Oliver, who issued Roberts’ red card following a VAR review, will not officiate a Premier League match this weekend.

Reports suggest that Millwall fans made their feelings known at The Den, where a loud and defiant protest unfolded. Some supporters in the main stand even turned toward the press box to make gestures, underscoring their belief that Roberts has been unfairly treated.

Millwall’s fanbase is known for its fierce loyalty, and that sentiment has only intensified in response to what they perceive as an unjust level of criticism.