Millwall fans could be heard singing new Jean-Philippe Mateta chants during the Watford game on Saturday afternoon.
During the Championship fixture, some Millwall supporters were reported by the Daily Mail to have sung the chant “Que sera sera whatever will be will be, Mateta’s in A & E” was heard in the away end at Vicarage Road, as well as “25 stitches, it should have been more”.
It’s also claimed by some fans that a ‘F*ck the Daily Mail’ chant was also heard, with it reportedly heard in the background of Sky Sports’ coverage.
MailSport say they have contacted Millwall FC for comment on the chants, but the club are unlikely to respond considering MailSport were banned by them from attending their matches and press conferences over an article on the ‘let him die’ chants.
On the 1st of March during an FA Cup fifth round match between Millwall and Crystal Palace, where Mateta was seriously injured after a challenge by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
Roberts was sent off for the incident, which left Mateta requiring 25 stitches in his ear and a hospital visit.
While Mateta was being treated on the pitch, a section of Millwall fans chanted “let him die,” drawing widespread condemnation.
25 stitches it should have been more 😂😂😂😂😂 what a fucking club #Millwall
— James Hyam (@James_hyam93) March 8, 2025
Millwall fans heard singing new vile Jean-Philippe Mateta chant after Crystal Palace forward was rushed to hospital following horror karate kick challenge by Lions goalkeeper Liam Roberts https://t.co/fTyeJUTSav
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) March 8, 2025
Ismaïla Sarr has just scored and gone and kicked the corner flag.
Scenes.#CPFC // #CRYIPS
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 8, 2025
Palace’s Ismalia Sarr celebrates Ipswich winner by doing teammate Jean-Philippe Mateta’s corner flag kick celebration. Mateta was out due to a reckless tackle by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts the week prior, which required 25 stitches for a severe left-ear laceration. pic.twitter.com/KqVwLD3ncY
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) March 8, 2025
That one is for you, Jean-Philippe Mateta 😘#CPFC // #CRYIPS pic.twitter.com/99srpNOC5Q
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 8, 2025
The Football Association (FA) previously declined to act on the “let him die” chants from the FA Cup game, stating they didn’t breach their rules, though they did investigate separate allegations of homophobic chanting toward Crystal Palace’s Ben Chilwell in that same match.
This behaviour has sparked outrage among football fans and commentators, with many calling it disgraceful.
Mateta, for his part, has recovered well, having been discharged from the hospital after the initial injury and expressing gratitude for support.
Millwall boss Alex Neil hopes they can now move on from goalkeeper Liam Roberts’ suspension after the keeper had a three-match ban for a dangerous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in the FA Cup extended to six games during the week.
“I think now we can draw a line under the Liam stuff,” said Neil, per BBC Sport.
“Liam’s made a bad decision. He’s mistimed the challenge. I think it’s then been trial by media at that point afterwards, which we are not in control of.
“But internally, it’s not really been turbulent for us. Liam will serve a suspension. That’s the way it is, and we just move on to the next game.”
‘Devastated’ Liam Roberts speaks out after being hit with SIX game ban by the FA
Meanwhile at Crystal Palace v Ipswich, Ismaila Sarr’s winning goal secured another important three points for the Eagles.
Sarr copied Jean-Philippe Mateta’s trademark celebration by kicking the corner flag, to shouts of ‘boom’ from the crowd.
The celebration has been seen many times in the last 12 months and Sarr did it in honour of Mateta who has been ruled out after having 25 stitches to a cut on his head following a challenge by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
“I did it for [Jean-Philippe Mateta]. He is my guy. He is a good guy. But he is doing good.” Sarr said.
Social media users reacted after Millwall fans are heard singing new Jean-Philippe Mateta chants during the Watford game…
@Mark_CPFC: “We don’t care” – But we clap on the 8th minute for the keeper and we chant about it a full week later..
@Dannymole17: Bit cringe from millwall fans once I get it but all the ‘let him die chants ‘ 😂😂😂 we get it lads you edgy haha #watfordfc #Millwall
@TalkCPFC: Sarr hitting the Mateta. Just burst into tears
Nick Saville: You would think Mateta is out for a year or whatever. It was bad yes and I am glad he is OK granted but Roberts doesnt deserve the amount of online and media abuse he has receieved especially when some has been aimed at his family. He was red carded has received his extended ban, apologised, Mateta has accepted can we just move on. However, any tackle now like this has to receive the same 6 match ban from the FA.
Jason Lee: If the fans wanna keep banging on about it, trying to keep getting noticed, you can’t complain when they give them that… only reporting what is being sung, no? don’t want it being reported, how about shut up instead and giving the media nothing to report on. Millwall fans are the ones going on about it still, when the club and keeper says they want to just move on, think about that for a second…
