Crystal Palace has announced that Jean-Philippe Mateta has been released from the hospital after suffering a serious injury during the match against Millwall.
The 27-year-old forward was injured in the first half of the FA Cup fifth-round game due to a forceful tackle from Liam Roberts.
Palace chairman Steve Parish expressed his anger, stating that The Lions goalkeeper’s challenge “endangered” Mateta.
However, the club is now pleased to confirm that their key striker has returned home.
In a statement, Crystal Palace said: “We are very happy to confirm that JP Mateta has been discharged from St George’s Hospital this evening. He received specialist treatment and 25 stitches for a severe cut to his left ear. All scans came back clear, and JP is feeling well.
“He will now rest and recover in the coming days, and his progress will be monitored by our club doctor.
“We thank the medical staff at both Selhurst Park and the hospital for their assistance and professionalism, as well as everyone for the supportive messages JP and the club have received today.”
The incident occurred just six minutes into the South London derby FA Cup fifth-round match when Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes made a long pass.
Mateta and Millwall defender Jake Cooper were competing for the ball when Millwall goalkeeper Roberts rushed out of his penalty area.
Roberts appeared to make contact with the ball.
But he then collided with Mateta, his boot striking the striker’s head and causing a deep laceration behind his ear.
Referee Michael Oliver initially allowed play to continue, but after a shot went wide, he stopped the game.
Initially, Roberts was not given a red card, but after reviewing the play on the VAR monitor, Oliver changed his decision and sent Roberts off.
Mateta was treated on the Selhurst Park pitch for almost ten minutes while his teammates looked on worried.
He was eventually stretchered off the field and taken to the hospital by ambulance.
The French striker was given oxygen as he was transported away.
Speaking at halftime, Palace chairman Parish commented: “We know that he has a bad cut behind his ear and a head injury. He is at the hospital, and we hope for the best.”
“There is a lot of emotion in football, but we need to talk about that tackle.”
“In all my years of watching football, I have never witnessed a challenge like that.”
“I checked the keeper’s age; he is 30 years old.”
“That is the most reckless challenge I believe I have ever seen on a football field.”
“And that player needs to seriously reconsider his actions. Because he endangered a fellow professional, possibly even his life, with such a challenge.”
