Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was carried off the pitch on a stretcher wearing a neck brace following a shocking incident during an FA Cup match against Millwall. The incident occurred in the eighth minute when Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts kicked Mateta in the head as he attempted to make a play at the edge of the box.
After a review by VAR, Roberts was issued a red card for the dangerous challenge, leading to over ten minutes of delay while medical staff administered oxygen to Mateta before transporting him off the field. Palace chairman Steve Parish voiced his outrage at half-time, describing the tackle as “the most reckless” he had ever witnessed in his time watching football. He stated, “He needs to have a long, hard look at himself… he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life.”
Additionally, Millwall fans faced criticism for chanting “let him die” as Mateta received medical attention, while the FA announced it would also look into homophobic chants aimed at Palace midfielder Ben Chilwell during the match.
Despite the horrific scene, Mateta later took to social media, assuring fans that he was “doing well” and expressed optimism about returning to the pitch after undergoing surgery for a severe ear injury.
This season, Mateta had been in impressive form for Crystal Palace, netting 15 goals in 33 appearances, with eight goals in his last eight Premier League matches. Ultimately, Palace won the match 3-1, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.