FA release statement as Millwall hold minute's APPLAUSE for Liam Roberts after shocking Jean-Philippe Mateta tackle

The FA have released a new statement on Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts after he was sent off for a horror tackle on Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Roberts was shown a straight red card during Millwall's 3-1 FA Cup fifth round defeat against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The goalkeeper kicked the Palace striker in the head after launching into a high challenge outside the penalty area.

While referee Michael Oliver initially punished Roberts with a yellow card, he was shown a straight red after a brief VAR check.

At half-time, Palace chairman Steve Parish called the tackle 'the most reckless on a football pitch I've ever seen' while live on BBC.

Mateta received medical treatment on the pitch which included oxygen and was transported to hospital, where he required 25 stitches in his left ear after suffering a 'severe laceration'.

Millwall are under an FA investigation for two separate chants towards Mateta while he was receiving treatment.

And in the eighth minute of Tuesday's 2-0 Championship defeat to Bristol City at The Den, Lions fans held a minute's applause for their goalkeeper.

Now, the FA have confirmed in a new statement that, having viewed replay footage of Roberts' tackle, are now seeking a further punishment for the 30-year-old beyond the standard three-match ban.

It reads: "The FA has submitted a claim seeking to increase Liam Roberts' sanction following his sending off in the FA Cup tie between Millwall and Crystal Palace on Saturday, March 1. The goalkeeper was sent off for serious foul play around the sixth minute.

"The FA claims that, in the circumstances, the standard punishment for this offence is clearly insufficient.

"Liam Roberts has until Thursday, March 6, to provide a response."

In response, Millwall have stated to BBC Sport: "Millwall Football Club acknowledges the FA's statement and will continue to support Liam who has been subjected to horrendous online abuse since Saturday's collision."

Roberts signed for the Championship side as a free agent in the summer after leaving Middlesbrough.

The match against Palace was his sixth appearance in all competitions for Alex Neil's side, having produced a player of the match performance in the previous FA Cup round's 2-0 away win at Leeds.