FA Calls for Extended Suspension of Millwall's Keeper Liam Roberts Following Serious Challenge on Mateta
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Synopsis
The FA seeks a longer suspension for Millwall's Liam Roberts after a serious foul on Crystal Palace's Mateta during the FA Cup. Roberts could face a more extended absence than the initial three-match ban.
Key Takeaways
- The FA is pursuing a longer ban for Liam Roberts.
- Roberts' foul resulted in Mateta needing stitches.
- Millwall supports Roberts amid online abuse.
- An independent commission will review the case.
- The club condemns media coverage and online harassment.
London, March 5 (NationPress) The Football Association (FA) is pursuing an extended suspension for Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts following his incident involving Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta during their FA Cup fifth-round match.
Initially, the goalkeeper was facing a typical three-match ban due to the challenge that resulted in Mateta being substituted and requiring 25 stitches in his left ear. However, he may now face a more prolonged absence from the pitch.
The FA has lodged a claim to enhance the penalty for Liam Roberts after his ejection in the FA Cup clash between Millwall and Crystal Palace on Saturday, March 1.
The goalkeeper received a red card for serious foul play just six minutes into the match. The FA argues that the typical punishment for such an incident is evidently inadequate. Roberts has until Thursday, March 6, to respond to the claim,” stated the FA.
An independent regulatory commission will review the case to determine whether the standard ban should be adjusted. They will also decide on the new penalty if the FA's request is upheld. If not, Roberts will serve the usual suspension.
In response, Millwall issued a statement affirming their complete support for the goalkeeper, who has faced 'horrendous online abuse.'
“Millwall Football Club acknowledges the FA’s statement and will persist in supporting Liam, who has endured terrible online harassment since Saturday’s incident,” the club stated.
The incident occurred in the ninth minute of the FA Cup match, which Palace won 3-1, resulting in Roberts missing the 0-2 defeat to Bristol City. During Tuesday's game, Millwall fans showcased their backing by applauding loudly in the ninth minute for the goalkeeper.
Earlier in the week, Millwall condemned the abuse directed towards Roberts, criticizing certain news organizations for indulging in what they referred to as “character assassination.”
“The club is appalled by the abuse directed at goalkeeper Liam Roberts following Saturday’s unfortunate incident with Jean-Philippe Mateta.
“The coverage of this matter, along with disgraceful insinuations made by certain media outlets and prominent figures in the sport that Liam had the intention to harm Jean-Philippe, has led to unwarranted character defamation against Liam and incited abhorrent online abuse directed at him,” the club remarked.
