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The Soccer Affiliation is in search of to increase the three-match suspension handed to Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts following his harmful problem on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta throughout their FA Cup fifth-round conflict.
Roberts was proven a purple card simply eight minutes into the match at Selhurst Park on Saturday after a excessive problem that left Mateta requiring 25 stitches round his left ear.
The FA has deemed the usual three-game suspension for severe foul play as “clearly inadequate” and has submitted an enchantment to a regulatory fee in hopes of accelerating the ban.
Millwall intends to problem the FA’s declare and has till Tuesday to formally reply.
A membership assertion affirmed that they’ll “proceed to assist” Roberts, who has been subjected to “horrendous on-line abuse” following the incident.
Ought to the FA’s request be granted, the fee will decide a brand new penalty for Roberts. If rejected, the preliminary three-game suspension will stand.
A precedent for such circumstances exists. In 2023, Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic had his three-match ban prolonged to eight after he pushed referee Chris Kavanagh throughout an FA Cup loss to Manchester United.
Conversely, in 2013, an try to extend Chelsea ahead Eden Hazard’s suspension was dismissed after he was despatched off for kicking a 17-year-old ball boy throughout a League Cup match towards Swansea.
The FA is seeking to prolong Millwall keeper Liam Roberts’ three-game ban following his purple card within the FA Cup. pic.twitter.com/TRg6BR1f6N
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 5, 2025
Palace Chairman Condemns Roberts
Palace chairman Steve Parish didn’t maintain again in his criticism of the deal with, describing it as “essentially the most reckless I’ve ever seen” and asserting that Roberts “endangered a fellow skilled and possibly his life.”
In the meantime, Millwall have expressed frustration over how the incident has been portrayed, stating that media protection has led to an “unwarranted character assassination” of Roberts.
The membership additionally famous that Roberts reached out to Mateta after the match to apologise, and his apology was “accepted instantly.”
Millwall Followers Rally Behind Roberts
Roberts has already begun serving his suspension, lacking Millwall’s 2-0 defeat to Bristol Metropolis within the Championship on Tuesday.
Through the match, Millwall supporters confirmed their backing for him by holding a minute’s applause within the eighth minute whereas chanting, “There’s just one Liam Roberts.” Nevertheless, some sections of the group responded with boos.
Match official Michael Oliver, who issued Roberts’ purple card following a VAR overview, is not going to officiate a Premier League match this weekend.
Stories counsel that Millwall followers made their emotions identified at The Den, the place a loud and defiant protest unfolded. Some supporters in the primary stand even turned towards the press field to make gestures, underscoring their perception that Roberts has been unfairly handled.
Millwall’s fanbase is understood for its fierce loyalty, and that sentiment has solely intensified in response to what they understand as an unjust degree of criticism.
