Millwall fans gave a minute of applause for their goalkeeper Liam Roberts, who is currently suspended. This happened during their Championship match against Bristol City.
This game was Millwall’s first since they were knocked out of the FA Cup in a 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace, their South London rivals, on Saturday at Selhurst Park.
The FA Cup game was largely remembered for a controversial incident involving goalkeeper Roberts. He made a rash decision to come out of his goal and violently fouled Crystal Palace player Jean-Philippe Mateta, kicking him in the head.
Mateta was immediately taken to the hospital and needed 25 stitches due to the collision. Referee Michael Oliver initially gave Roberts a yellow card, but after a VAR review, this was changed to a red card, sending Roberts off.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish described the tackle as life-threatening in a strong statement to BBC Sport at halftime.
Roberts, who is 30 years old, received a lot of abusive messages on social media following the event.
Millwall Football Club issued a statement on Monday saying they were “disgusted” by the abuse directed at Liam Roberts after the collision with Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The club criticized the media coverage and comments from some news outlets and sports figures. They felt suggestions that Roberts intentionally tried to hurt Mateta led to unfair criticism and hateful online abuse.
Millwall fans showed their support for Roberts by applauding during the eighth minute of their game against Bristol City. This was the same minute in which he was sent off in the Palace match.
Roberts might have his suspension extended beyond the standard three games due to the serious nature of the foul. It has been reported that Roberts apologized to Mateta later on the evening of the incident, and Mateta accepted.
After being discharged from the hospital, 27-year-old Mateta posted a message on social media saying, “Thank you for all the kind messages.”
He added, “I’m recovering well. I hope to return soon, stronger than before. Great job to the team today. I love you all. JP.”
Millwall FC further stated that “No Millwall player intends to injure another player. The club supports Liam and confirms he apologized to Jean-Philippe on Saturday night, which was immediately accepted.”
The club also expressed their relief at the positive news about Jean-Philippe’s condition and wished him a quick recovery.
Some traveling fans were heard chanting “let him die,” which was condemned by BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce.
Additionally, the Football Association is investigating alleged homophobic chants directed at Ben Chilwell, who is currently on loan to Palace from Chelsea.
Separately, Mark Halsey criticized the standard of refereeing in English football. He pointed out that referee Oliver initially only gave a yellow card for the serious tackle.
