Ex-Premier League referee reveals the punishment Millwall goalkeeper should receive for Jean-Philippe Mateta challenge

A former Premier League referee has stated the punishment Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts should be slapped with after his horrible challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta.

On Saturday afternoon, Millwall travelled to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The Eagles came away 3-1 winners thanks to an own goal from Japhet Tanganga plus strikes from Daniel Munoz and Eddie Nketiah. Wes Harding was the scorer for the visitors.

However, the match was marred by Roberts's red card inside the first 10 minutes.

The Millwall goalkeeper rushed out of his area in a bid to clear the ball but ended up kicking Palace striker Mateta in the face.

Mateta was stretchered off and Palace chairman Steve Parish slammed Roberts when speaking about the incident during the half-time interval.

Ex-Premier League referee Keith Hackett has now had his say on the incident.

Former Premier League referee reveals punishment Liam Roberts should receive for challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta

He said to Football Insider: "That horrendous challenge by Liam Roberts of Millwall on Mateta is totally and utterly unacceptable.

"His punishment must be an extension above the normal three-match ban. There is no room for this challenge in the game of football."

Hackett added: "The challenge by the goalkeeper warrants a minimum five-game ban."

Liam Roberts' challenge that put Jean-Philippe Mateta in hospital.

The Crystal Palace striker has since confirmed he's doing well and hopes to be back playing "very soon".#BBCFootball #FACup pic.twitter.com/FnQLuUBvKA

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 1, 2025

After being taken to hospital, Mateta himself released a statement.

He wrote on social media: "I'm doing well. I hope to be back very soon and stronger than ever. Well done, guys for the great job today."

When asked about the challenge, Palace boss Oliver Glasner said: "He's at the hospital and I heard he's conscious, and he has a serious ear injury. I didn't want to see it after the game, because you never want to watch an injury, but because I was told you have to talk about it, I watched it, and it was very, very serious foul play.

"Just imagine if he hits his face straight, with all this power and the studs, it could have been the end of JP's career. I'm pretty sure he did not want to injure JP in this situation, but I also think you have to decide when you make such an impact, that you just can't do it in this way - the risk of a very serious injury is just too high."