Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts handed six-game ban for horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta

Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been handed a six-game ban for his challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Roberts came charging out of his goal six minutes into last Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Selhurst Park and caught Mateta in the head with a high boot, leaving the Frenchman requiring 25 stitches around his left ear.

Referee Michael Oliver missed the incident but Roberts was red-carded for serious foul play following the intervention of the Video Assistant Referee.

An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld The FA’s claim to increase the suspension of Millwall’s Liam Roberts.

Full statement: https://t.co/cPoDISGcQa pic.twitter.com/B8AVGR0DLh

— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) March 7, 2025

That brings a normal sanction of three games but the FA claimed it warranted more and took their case to an independent Regulatory Commission, who agreed to double it to six matches.

The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.

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

Millwall fans showed their support for Roberts, who has suffered abuse online, with a minute’s applause.