The football association seeks to extend the suspension of three games given to the Millwall goalkeeper, Liam Roberts
Roberts was shown a red card just eight minutes from the match in Selhurst Park on Saturday after a big challenge that left Mateta requiring 25 points around his left ear.
The FA considered the standard suspension of three games for a serious game as “clearly insufficient” and submitted an appeal to a regulatory committee in the hope of increasing the prohibition.
Millwall intends to challenge the FA complaint and until Tuesday to respond officially.
A club statement said they “would continue to support” Roberts, who was subject to “horrible online abuses” following the incident.
If the FA’s request was granted, the Commission will determine a new penalty for Roberts. If it is rejected, the initial suspension of three games will remain.
A precedent for such cases exists. In 2023, Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, extended over his three games to eight after pushing referee Chris Kavanagh during a defeat in FA Cup against Manchester United.
Conversely, in 2013, an attempt to increase the suspension of Chelsea Eden Hazard striker was rejected after being sent for kicking a 17 -year -old ball boy in a League Cup match against Swansea.
The FA seeks to extend the ban on three Millwall goalkeeper games, Liam Roberts, after her red card in the FA Cup. pic.twitter.com/trg6br1f6n
– BBC Sport (@bbcsport) March 5, 2025
The president of the palace condemns Roberts
The president of the palace, Steve Parish, did not retain his criticism of the tackle, describing him as “the most reckless I have ever seen” and claiming that Roberts “endangered a professional colleague and perhaps his life”.
Meanwhile, Millwall expressed his frustration as to how the incident was represented, declaring that media coverage led to an “unjustified character assassination” of Roberts.
The club also noted that Roberts had contacted Mateta after the match to apologize, and his apologies were “accepted immediately”.
Millwall fans come together behind Roberts
Roberts has already started to serve his suspension, missing Tuesday the 2-0 Millwall defeat against Bristol City in the championship.
During the match, Millwall supporters showed their support for him by holding a minute of applause in the eighth minute while singing: “There is only one Liam Roberts.” However, some sections of the crowd responded with hoots.
The manager of the match Michael Oliver, who published the Roberts red card after a Var review, will not offer a Premier League match this weekend.
The reports suggest that Millwall fans made their feelings known to The Den, where a noisy and protected demonstration took place. Some supporters of the main stand even turned to the press box to make gestures, stressing their conviction that Roberts was treated unjustly.
The Millwall fans base is known for its fierce loyalty, and this feeling was only intensified in response to what they perceive as an unjust level.
