Crystal Palace Clinch FA Cup Quarter-Final Spot
Crystal Palace secured a 3-1 victory over Millwall in their FA Cup fifth-round match at Selhurst Park on Saturday, advancing to the quarter-finals. Despite the win, the game was overshadowed by a harrowing injury to Palace’s in-form forward, Jean-Philippe Mateta. The 27-year-old Frenchman was struck on the head by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts in the early stages of the match, a collision that required immediate medical attention. Mateta needed oxygen on the pitch and was subsequently stretchered off and taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a concussion and a serious ear injury.
A Match Marked by Controversy
The incident occurred when Roberts came off his line to clear a long ball and mistakenly connected with Mateta’s head with his raised studs. The severity of the tackle prompted a lengthy VAR review, resulting in Roberts being shown a red card. Palace’s supporters and staff were visibly shaken, with the match temporarily halted to tend to Mateta. Once play resumed, the focus shifted to the unfolding drama on the pitch, but the injury to Mateta loomed large over the proceedings.
Events on the Field
Despite the early setback, Crystal Palace managed to take control of the match. In the 33rd minute, Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga scored an own goal, giving Palace the lead. Daniel Munoz added to the advantage with a close-range effort, putting the home side in a commanding position. However, 10-man Millwall did not give up easily. Wes Harding pulled one back for Millwall before halftime, and they continued to press hard in the second half. Eddie Nketiah, who had replaced the injured Mateta, sealed the victory in the 81st minute with a looping header, ensuring Crystal Palace’s progression to the next round.
Reactions and Comments
After the match, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed his deep concern for Mateta. "He is in the hospital. He has a serious ear injury," Glasner stated. "I couldn’t see it live. I didn’t want to see it after the game. I didn’t want to watch the injury. I watched it because I knew I had to talk about it. It was a very serious foul play. It’s tough to see. I don’t want to watch it again." Glasner emphasized the recklessness of the challenge, stating, "Imagine it could have ended his career. He didn’t want to make such a challenge, but his decision to make the challenge was wrong. I believe in fair play and all sportsmen don’t want to injure another. His decision with his foot with this intensity was wrong."
Chairman Steve Parish’s Outrage
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish was equally disturbed by the incident. "We need to talk about that challenge," Parish said during the half-time interval. "In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it. I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30 years old. That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen. He needs to have a long, hard look at himself because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that." Parish’s comments reflected the serious nature of the injury and the potential consequences for Mateta’s career.
A Call for Fair Play
The incident has reignited discussions about player safety and the importance of fair play in football. Parish added, "Forgetting about him being a football player, he is a human being. That is not a normal challenge. If you’re kicking someone in the head with the full force, God knows what damage has been done to him." The match’s outcome, while important, was secondary to the well-being of Mateta, who remains a top concern for the club and the wider football community. As the FA Cup continues, the hope is that incidents like this will serve as a reminder of the need for respect and care on the playing field.
