Millwall have condemned the ‘character assassination’ of goalkeeper Liam Roberts by ‘high-profile figures’ in football following his sending-off for his challenge on Jean-Phillipe Mateta during Saturday’s FA Cup defeat by Crystal Palace.
Roberts was dismissed in the eighth minute at Selhurst Park for kicking Mateta in the head which resulted in the Frenchman being discharged from hospital with 25 stitches.
Palace chairman Steve Parish described Roberts’ challenge as the “most reckless” he has seen on live television at half-time, media personality Piers Morgan called the incident “shameful” on social media while Keith Hackett is among former referees leading calls for the Millwall goalkeeper to face a five-game ban.
Other media outlets have called for the Football Association to throw the book at the 30-year-old by extending his ban, which they are considering, but the Championship club has hit out at the widespread criticism and abuse directed towards Roberts.
Millwall said in a strongly worded statement: “The club are disgusted by abuse directed towards goalkeeper Liam Roberts following Saturday’s unfortunate collision with Jean-Philippe Mateta.
”The reporting on the matter, as well as disgraceful suggestions made by certain news organisations and high-profile figures within the sport that Liam intended to harm Jean-Philippe, has contributed to the unwarranted character assassination of Liam and fuelled abhorrent online abuse towards him.
”No player at Millwall Football Club steps onto the pitch with the intent to harm another, and the club will continue to support Liam, who reached out to Jean-Philippe personally on Saturday evening with an apology which was accepted immediately.”
“The club are pleased to hear positive updates from Jean-Philippe and wish him the best in his recovery.”
The Daily Mail have claimed to have been banned from attending the club’s matches and press conferences because of their coverage of the incident.
Mateta had been the target of chants of “let him die” from some of the 2,800 visiting supporters that could be clearly heard on television while the FA have launched an investigation into potential homophobic chanting towards Ben Chilwell, who is on loan at Palace from Chelsea.
Millwall manager Alex Neil said the clash was unintentional and chairman James Berylson checked on Mateta’s condition after the game. Roberts is facing a three-match ban for the challenge and the decision by the FA as to whether it will be extended will need to be requested by 1pm on Tuesday.
