Crystal Palace striker Jean Philippe-Mateta was hospitalised by a “reckless” challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts during the Eagles’ 3-1 win in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.
Roberts was sent off just eight minutes into the south London derby at Selhurst Park after catching Mateta‘s head with his boot as he raced out of the penalty area to clear the ball.
Referee Michael Oliver only issued a red card after a VAR review of the challenge, with Roberts winning the ball before accidentally crashing his boot into Mateta’s head.
Mateta received lengthy treatment, including oxygen, on the pitch before being stretchered to an ambulance and transported to hospital.
“Thank you for all your kind messages. I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever. Well done guys for a great job today,” Mateta posted on Instagram.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Mateta had suffered a serious injury to his ear but said the impact could have ended the Frenchman’s career.
“Just imagine if he hits his face straight, with his power, with the studs, it is the end of JP’s career,” said Glasner.
“I’m pretty sure he didn’t want to injure JP in this situation, but I also think that you have to decide when you make such an impact, you just can’t do it in this way.”
Mateta had scored eight goals in his previous nine games and has 15 in total for Palace this season.
Palace chairman Steve Parish described it as the “most reckless challenge” he had ever seen.
“That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen and I think he needs to have a long hard look at himself, that lad, because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe his life, with a challenge like that,” Parish told the BBC.
Palace made use of the man advantage to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Japhet Tanganga‘s own goal put Palace ahead in the 33rd minute before Daniel Munoz prodded in the second seven minutes later.
Wes Harding pulled a goal back for the Lions 13 minutes into first-half stoppage time added on for Mateta’s treatment.
Palace were made to wait until 82 minutes to ensure progress when Eddie Nketiah‘s looping header found the far corner.