Millwall boss Alex Neil wants to move on from Liam Roberts’ horrific tackle on Jean-Philippe Mateta, as Lions fans were heard shouting more terrible songs against the Crystal Palace striker.
Mateta was rushed to hospital last Saturday with a head injury following a challenge by Roberts during their FA Cup fifth-round game at Selhurst Park, which Palace won 3-1.
Roberts came out of his goal to clear the ball early in the game, colliding with Mateta and kicking him in the head. Mateta took 10 minutes of care on the pitch before being transported to the hospital with a severe cut that required 25 stitches in his left ear.
Following a Football Association investigation, Roberts’ punishment for the challenge was extended to six matches on Friday, after he stated that he had spoken with Mateta and apologised for the incident.
Millwall returned to action on Saturday for the first time since the incident, with fans supporting Roberts and mocking Mateta.
Roberts received a minute’s applause in the eighth minute, when he was sent off last week, coupled with cries of “One Liam Roberts, there’s only one Liam Roberts.”
Every time an opposing player fell down, they were booed with the phrase “let him die,” which Mateta was subjected to before being taken to the hospital.
Millwall fans responded with: “Que sera sera, whatever will be, Mateta’s in A and E.” Other cries included: “It isn’t enough, it isn’t enough–25 stitches, it isn’t enough.”
After the game, Neil did not address the fan shouts or Mateta, but hoped Roberts could move on from the incident: “You know, we’ve supported Liam. Liam has made a horrible decision. He has mistimed the challenge.
“I believe it was then put on trial by the media, over which we have no influence. We’ve spoken with Liam. He’s OK. He understands. He talked to me, and it’s done. Draw a line underneath it. Liam will serve a suspension. That’s how it is, and we’ll simply go on to the next game.”
