Palace’s Mateta Suffers Terrible Head Injury

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta required 25 stitches to close a deep wound after suffering a gruesome head injury during his side’s FA Cup fifth-round match against Millwall at Selhurst Park on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Mateta sustained a severe laceration to his left ear following a reckless challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts, who was later shown a red card. The French forward received immediate medical attention on the pitch but could not continue and was stretchered off, wearing a neck brace, before being taken to the hospital.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish condemned the incident, calling it “the most reckless” tackle he had ever seen in football.

“Mateta suffered a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury as far as we know. It’s one of the worst challenges I’ve witnessed. Roberts needs to have a long, hard look at himself because he endangered a fellow professional with that challenge,” Parish told BBC

Referee Michael Oliver initially took no action but changed his decision after reviewing the pitch-side monitor, sending Roberts off.

“All scans were clear, and JP is feeling well. He will rest and recuperate over the following days, with his progress monitored by our club doctor. We thank the medical staff at Selhurst Park and the hospital for their professionalism and all the well-wishes received,” the statement read.

Mateta, 27, showed resilience as he left the pitch, making a clenched fist gesture towards Palace fans. However, his injury sparked discussions about player safety, with many comparing the incident to the infamous 1982 World Cup foul by West Germany goalkeeper Harald Schumacher on France’s Patrick Battiston.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed mixed emotions about his team’s victory, which secured them a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

“I can’t be really happy when you lose a player like this. It was a terrible foul, and Mateta’s ear looks awful,” Glasner told BBC Sport. “I don’t want to blame Roberts, but you can’t challenge for the ball like that. It’s too dangerous,” Glasner expressed.

Meanwhile, Millwall boss Alex Neil defended Roberts, insisting there was no malicious intent.

“I don’t think it was the worst challenge I’ve ever seen. It was mistimed, and he’s disappointed. We wish Mateta well and hope he returns soon,” Neil said. However, he admitted he had not reviewed the video footage’, he said.

While the Football Association (FA) is investigating homophobic abuse directed at Palace left-back Ben Chilwell by a section of Millwall fans, it will not take action against chants of “let him die” heard during Mateta’s treatment. The FA has condemned the chants but stated they do not breach its regulations.

According to Sky News, they’ve contacted Millwall and the FA for further comments.

Source: Sky News