The Football Association (FA) is considering handing an extended ban to Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts after his challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta.
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Roberts kicked Mateta in the headSent off during FA Cup clashMateta required lengthy treatmentFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Daily Mirror reports the FA is considering handing an extended ban to Roberts after his horror challenge on Mateta in the FA Cup clash against Crystal Palace at the weekend. The goalkeeper rushed off his line and attempted to win the ball in the air, but ended up kicking Mateta full in the face. The striker was left unconscious and needed lengthy medical treatment.
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It has been reported that Mateta required 25 stitches after the clash, and Palace owner Steve Parish claimed, after the game, that it was the "worst challenge he's ever seen in football". Now, the FA are considering handing Roberts a much lengthier ban; the standard suspension is for three games, but the FA must decide by 1pm on Thursday if they want to lodge an "insufficient punishment" appeal. Given the force and recklessness of the challenge, Roberts may receive an extended suspension.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mateta has been in electric form for Palace this season and has scored 15 goals in 33 games in all competitions. Now, though, he faces a lengthy lay-off as he continues his treatment in hospital.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Palace play Ipswich this weekend. Oliver Glasner's side are 12th in the Premier League table.