Jean-Philippe Mateta has dismissed any ill feelings toward Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts after their horrific collision in the FA Cup earlier this month.
The Crystal Palace striker of Congolese descent suffered a serious head injury during the match following a clash with Roberts, which led to the goalkeeper being sent off.
The France forward had to be rushed to the hospital, where he received 25 stitches.
Despite the severity of the incident, Mateta has defended Roberts, insisting the challenge was not intentional.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he revealed that Roberts personally reached out to him after the match.
“Liam texted me while I was in hospital and I told him ‘it is OK, it is football’. He apologised. He was worried.
“I don’t think he woke up and thought ‘I want to cut the head off JP.
There is a lot of pressure. He wanted to do good, too much emotion makes you do crazy things. It was just a mistake. You learn from it.”
Roberts has since been handed a six-game suspension for the foul.
Meanwhile, Mateta is working towards regaining full fitness and hopes to feature in Palace’s FA Cup quarterfinal against Fulham.
“I don’t know. I’m still in touch with the specialists and the doctor. Hopefully soon. Hopefully I can play (against Fulham).”
