Liam Roberts handed six-game ban for Mateta horror challenge | OneFootball

Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has had his three-match ban upgraded to six games following his reckless red card challenge on Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Roberts connected with Mateta’s face with a wild kick during Millwall’s 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup last weekend. The French forward was forced off and required 25 stitches to a head injury sustained in the challenge.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parrish blasted Roberts and called the incident the ‘most reckless challenge I’ve ever seen’.

The FA have now upgraded the punishment for the goalkeeper, who will now be sidelined for six games. In a statement, Roberts said he was ‘devastated by what happened’ and reiterated there was no ill-intent behind the challenge.

“As soon as I could, I reached out to Jean-Philippe personally to apologise, and I was thankful to hear back from him that evening that he was OK and reassured me not to worry,” Roberts said.

“I am devastated by what happened. 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. I have categorically never stepped onto a football pitch with the intention of hurting anyone.

“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.”

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