A ‘devastated’ Liam Roberts speaks out after being hit with a SIX game ban by the FA for his challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The 30 year old Millwall goalkeeper was sent off in the 8th minute of Millwall’s 3-1 defeat after a head-high tackle that left Mateta requiring 25 stitches for a severe laceration to his left ear.
The FA initially imposed a standard three-match suspension for serious foul play, but following a claim that this punishment was “clearly insufficient,” an independent Regulatory Commission upheld the appeal on March 7, 2025, extending the ban to six matches.
Statement from #Millwall Football Club and Liam Roberts.
— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) March 7, 2025
Liam Roberts unleashed his inner Sami Zayn with this Helluva Kick!!
On a serious note, I hope Jean-Philippe Mateta is ok and recover fast! 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PqTBYNwOn0
— The Silva One (@SilvasSegments) March 1, 2025
STATEMENT:
Millwall Football Club has been notified by the Football Association that Liam Roberts has received an additional three-match suspension following his red card against Crystal Palace on Saturday 1st March 2025.
Whilst the club is disappointed with the outcome, it respects the process that has been undertaken.
Liam Roberts has released the following statement:
“Hello everyone,
“As the dust settles, I want to address what has been a really difficult week for all concerned, including my family and I.
“Firstly, to Jean-Philippe, who I continue to send my best wishes to in his recovery. As soon as I could, I reached out to Jean-Philippe personally to apologise, and I was thankful to hear back from him that evening that he was OK and reassured me not to worry.
“I am devastated by what happened. I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment. Furthermore, it has been extremely unpleasant to observe suggestions that I intended to harm a fellow professional. I have categorically never stepped onto a football pitch with the intention of hurting anyone.
“Misleading articles and comments have resulted in an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats towards my family and I. To the footballing community who know me and reached out with support through this tough time, thank you, I appreciate every single message.
“Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody connected to Millwall Football Club for their continued support. The togetherness throughout this club is unique, and I can’t wait to be back out on the pitch in front of our fans.
Be kind.
Take care,
Robbo.”
FA STATEMENT:
An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld The FA’s claim to increase the suspension of Millwall’s Liam Roberts.
The goalkeeper was sent off on Saturday 1 March, for serious foul play around the 6th minute of the Emirates FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace.
The FA claimed that – in the circumstances – the standard punishment for this offence was clearly insufficient, and Liam Roberts subsequently denied this.
Following a hearing, the Regulatory Commission upheld The FA’s claim, set aside the standard three-match punishment, and instead imposed a six-match ban.
The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner spoke in his press conference on Friday regarding Jean-Philippe Mateta: “Mateta is doing well. He is at home and recovering well. He had no fractures or concussion and healing from the huge wound is going as we expected.
“He will go to Marbella with us next week and he will be just training individually. If everything goes how we wish, he will be available against Fulham [after the March international break].
“We lose JP for this game – we can’t play him tomorrow – but it’s not too bad.”
A ‘devastated’ Liam Roberts speaks out after being hit with a SIX game ban by the FA…
@MrWillPowell:“Be Kind”Well done Robbo and well done Millwall
@ThatMillwallLad: amazing how the rules suddenly change once it’s Millwall involved but we’re all with you robbo ❤️
@lionj1971: Chin up Robbo, we don’t sing NOLU for nothing. The FA are 🤡
@SmudgerCPFC: Ridiculous. Red card, 3 match ban, end of story. He’s apologised, JPM has accepted it. Draw line, move on
@MFC_Steve: Absolutely disgusting be the FA – trial by Media, bowing to the likes of Simon Jordan and Jason Cundy
@joe121099: Bad challenge but fucking hell the backlash that’s come from this is a joke
@YoungmanMj: Respectful statement. Accept the verdict and process. However the @FA have set, possibly unwittingly unknowingly, a precedent here.
@georgemfc1: In shock news. FA have absolutely crumbled, given into the media scrutiny, treatment of Roberts has been disgraceful. Absolutely no backbone or consistency at that.
@Matt_MFC_Dawson: We move now. Whilst we can’t do nothing about it, it’s frustrating that other situations like the Robbo one had extended bans. To all the media and people who went and attacked Liam personally, simply go fuck yourselves. Look forward to seeing him on the pitch soon! #Millwall
@M1ghtyl10n: What an absolute fucking joke
@HCfootball01: He’s second choice, so it’s not that impactful, but I hope he gets some support, media have absolutely killed him ever since, it’s a poor tackle nobody denying that, but he’s a goalkeeper outside of his box who’s panicked and made a bad split second decision.
@JAYMITCH81: @CEO4TAG should be ashamed and embarrassed of himself. He started all this witch hunt with his half time antics.
