BBC commentator condemns vile Millwall chant after Jean-Philippe Mateta booted in the face by goalkeeper

BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce condemned a vile Millwall chant from their visiting fans after Jean-Philippe Mateta was booted in the face by goalkeeper Liam Roberts in a red-card challenge.

The FA Cup fifth round tie between Palace and Millwall burst into life in the opening minutes as the visitors were reduced to 10 men following a shocking incident.

Millwall keeper Roberts kicked Mateta in the face after being put through on goal.

Following a VAR review, the goalkeeper was shown a red card by match referee Michael Oliver.

Mateta laid stricken on the floor as he received urgent medical attention.

Jean-Philippe Mateta was wiped out by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts. Image: Getty

During the lengthy break, the travelling Millwall supporters at Selhurst Park could be heard singing 'let him die', which was immediately condemned by Pearce, who called out the chant on air.

Needless to say, people on social media also slammed the chant aimed at Mateta, who was stretched off following the nasty collision.

One X user exclaimed: "Millwall fans singing 'Let Him Die' because Mateta got a flying kick to the head and can’t continue in the game. And they wonder why no one likes them. F**king hell."

A second fumed: "Millwall fans are next level stupid. They're booing Mateta as he's been lead off on a stretcher after the Millwall keeper volleyed him in the head. Let's not even speak about the Let him Die chants."

A third added: "I honestly hope Millwall get absolutely battered. Scummy little club. 'Let him die' as Mateta is stretchered off after a kung fun kick to the head."

A fourth said: "'Let him die' when Mateta is receiving treatment on the floor. Millwall is so classless and pathetic."

Another commented: "I see a section of Millwall's fans are as classy as ever. Chanting 'let him die' whilst Mateta is receiving treatment. Absolute scum."

Palace issued a statement in the wake of Mateta's injury.

The statement read: "Mateta is stretchered off following that terrible challenge. We are right behind you, JP."

Mateta was replaced by Eddie Nketiah.