Millwall’s Liam Roberts handed extended match ban for reckless tackle on French-Congolese Jean-Philippe Mateta

Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been handed a six-match suspension by the Football Association (FA) following his dangerous tackle on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Roberts, 30, was initially sent off in the first half of last Saturday’s match after a high, reckless challenge on the French striker of DR Congolese descent.

The French striker suffered a serious injury, sustaining lacerations to his ear that required 25 stitches.

The FA reviewed the incident and determined that the standard three-match suspension was insufficient.

In a statement released on Friday, the FA confirmed the decision to extend Roberts’ ban.

“The FA claimed that – in the circumstances – the standard punishment for this offence was clearly insufficient, and Liam Roberts subsequently denied this.

“Following a hearing, the Regulatory Commission upheld The FA’s claim, set aside the standard three-match punishment, and instead imposed a six-match ban.”

Roberts, who personally apologized to Mateta after the match, later released a statement expressing his regret over the incident.

“I am devastated by what happened,” he wrote. “I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment. Furthermore, it has been extremely unpleasant to observe suggestions that I intended to harm a fellow professional.”

He also addressed the backlash he and his family have received following the incident.

“Misleading articles and comments have resulted in an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats towards my family and I. To the footballing community who know me and reached out with support through this tough time, thank you, I appreciate every single message.”

Roberts also thanked Millwall for their support, expressing his eagerness to return to action once his suspension is served.

Mateta, meanwhile, has begun his recovery process, with Crystal Palace providing medical support to aid his return to full fitness.