Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta was stretchered off in a distressing scene after a brutal tackle from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts during their FA Cup clash on Saturday, March 1. The incident, which occurred in the seventh minute at Selhurst Park, has been widely condemned, with fans on social media labeling it one of the worst tackles in football history.
Roberts was given a straight red card for his reckless studs-up challenge outside the box, which struck Mateta on the back of the head near his ear. The 27-year-old French striker required oxygen on the pitch before being rushed to the hospital with a concussion and a deep cut behind his ear.
Palace chairman Steve Parish did not hold back in his criticism of the challenge, calling it "the most reckless" he had ever seen. The horrifying nature of the tackle has drawn comparisons to Nigel De Jong’s infamous kung-fu kick on Xabi Alonso during the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, but many argue Roberts' challenge was even worse, as Mateta was not in a clear goal-scoring position and was completely unaware of the oncoming collision.
Despite being reduced to 10 men early, Millwall responded well, but an own goal from Japhet Tanganga in the 33rd minute and a close-range strike from Daniel Muñoz put Palace in control. Millwall fought back before halftime with a goal from Wes Harding, making for a tense second half.
Palace ultimately secured their place in the next round when Eddie Nketiah, who came on to replace Mateta, sealed the 3-1 victory with a looping header in the 81st minute.
Mateta, who has been in exceptional form this season with 15 goals in 33 appearances, was assessed in the hospital following the injury. Speaking at halftime, Parish expressed his deep concern: "He’s at the hospital, so we hope for the best. There’s a lot of emotion in football, but that challenge needs to be discussed. I’ve never seen anything like it."
Other FA Cup Results:
- Burnley were stunned 3-0 by Lancashire rivals Preston North End, with goals from Milutin Osmajic, Robbie Brady, and Will Keane. This loss was particularly shocking as Burnley had gone 12 consecutive Championship games without conceding a goal.
- Later on Saturday, Bournemouth hosted Wolves, while Manchester City faced Plymouth Argyle, the surprise conquerors of Liverpool in the previous round.
- On Friday, Aston Villa secured a 2-0 win over Cardiff City, booking their spot in the quarter-finals.
