Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts reached out to Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta following a severe on-field collision that left Mateta with a significant head injury a recent FA Cup fifth-round match.
Mateta, who has DR Congo heritage, was hospitalized and required 25 stitches to his left ear after the incident.
The incident occurred early in the game at Selhurst Park when Mateta challenged for a high ball just outside the penalty area.
Roberts attempted to clear the ball but instead made a high challenge, catching Mateta’s head with his boot.
The severity of the collision led to Mateta receiving extensive medical attention on the field before being stretchered off and taken to St George’s Hospital.
Following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, Roberts was shown a straight red card for the challenge, reducing Millwall to ten men for the remainder of the match.
Crystal Palace capitalized on their numerical advantage, securing a 3-1 victory to advance to the quarter-finals.
In a statement, Palace said: “We are very pleased to confirm that JP Mateta has this evening been discharged from St George’s Hospital where he received specialist treatment and 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his left ear. All scans were clear and JP is feeling well.
“He will now rest and recuperate over the following days where his progress will be monitored by our club doctor. Thank you to the medical staff at both Selhurst Park and the hospital for their help and professionalism, and for all the wishes of support that JP and the club have received today.”
