MILLWALL fans conducted a minute’s applause for suspended star Liam Roberts during their Championship clash with Bristol City.
The Lions were playing their first game since crashing out of the FA Cup with a 3-1 defeat to South London rivals Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
https://twitter.com/BroadcastMoose/status/1897013451408466263
Millwall fans gave a minute’s applause to suspended goalkeeper Liam Roberts[/caption]
Roberts was sent off in the eighth minute of the FA Cup clash against Crystal Palace[/caption]
Roberts’ tackle forced Mateta to go to the hospital[/caption]
Roberts was subjected to vile abuse online after the incident[/caption]
However, the game was overshadowed by a shocking challenge from goalkeeper Roberts after he inexplicably rushed out of goal and fly-kicked Eagles’ ace Jean-Philippe Mateta in the head.
Mateta was rushed to hospital as a result of the collision and needed 25 stitches, with Roberts being given his marching orders by Michael Oliver after a VAR review upgraded a yellow card to a red.
Palace chairman Steve Parish said the tackle had “endangered his life” during an astonishing half-time rant to BBC Sport.
Roberts, 30, had been subjected to a huge barrage of abuse on social media following the incident.
In a statement released on Monday, Millwall said: “The club are disgusted by abuse directed towards goalkeeper Liam Roberts following Saturday’s unfortunate collision with Jean-Philippe Mateta.
“The reporting on the matter, as well as disgraceful suggestions made by certain news organisations and high-profile figures within the sport that Liam intended to harm Jean-Philippe, has contributed to the unwarranted character assassination of Liam and fuelled abhorrent online abuse towards him.”
Millwall fans paid tribute to Roberts following the sickening abuse he suffered by applauding him in the eighth minute of the clash, the same time he was sent off against Palace.
Roberts, who could have his suspension extended to beyond three games for serious foul play, reportedly apologised to Mateta in the evening following the game.
In a message on social media after being released from hospital, 27-year-old Mateta said: “Thanks for all your kind messages.
“I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon and stronger than ever. Well done, guys, for the great job today. I love you. JP.”
Millwall added: “No player at Millwall Football Club steps on to the pitch with the intent to harm another, and the club will continue to support Liam, who reached out to Jean-Philippe personally on Saturday evening with an apology which was accepted immediately.
“The club are pleased to hear positive updates from Jean-Philippe and wish him the best in his recovery.”
Vile chants of “let him die” from some of the travelling supporters drew condemnation from BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce.
Meanwhile, the FA are set to investigate alleged “Chelsea rent boys” chants aimed at Ben Chilwell – on loan to Palace from the Blues.
Elsewhere, Mark Halsey slammed the state of English referees after Oliver originally only awarded a yellow card for the tackle.
