Jean-Philippe Mateta speaks out after suffering ‘serious’ injury in Millwall keeper’s horror challenge
Mateta was on the receiving end of a horrific challenge during Palace’s FA Cup win over Millwall
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Your support makes all the difference.Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has said he will come back “stronger than ever” after being hospitalised in a horror clash with Millwall’s goalkeeper at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Mateta was injured after the challenge by Millwall’s Liam Roberts, in which the goalkeeper rushed off his line and kicked the striker in the head while clearing the ball. Roberts was sent off after a VAR review, while Mateta received lengthy treatment on the pitch, being administered oxygen before he was stretchered off and into an ambulance.
Palace chairman Steve Parish labelled the tackle “the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen” when interviewed at half-time in the FA Cup tie.
Speaking after the match, which Palace won 3-1 to secure a place in the quater-finals, manager Oliver Glasner told the BBC that Mateta was conscious, though his “ear looks terrible”.
“It’s a very serious injury so we hope all the best for him,” said Glasner. “We are not really happy, we can’t be really happy. Of course, it’s a great win and into the quarter-finals but when you lose a player, especially with a foul like this, you have two different feelings in your stomach.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to see it, I just watched it and it is terrible. I’m sure the goalkeeper didn’t want to injure JP [Mateta] in this situation, no player wants this. But with the foot at that height, you can’t do it because it's so dangerous and we all have responsibilities for our health. I don’t want to blame him but it is a terrible foul.”
Mateta later posted on Instagram: “Thank you all for your kind messages. I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever. Well done guys for the great job today. I love you. JP.”
Palace went on to earn the win over their south London rivals with Daniel Munoz and Eddie Nketiah adding to an own goal from Japhet Tanganga.
And the Eagles will now wait to hear who they will face in the quarter-finals, with the draw taking place on Sunday 2 March after the conclusion of Manchester United’s match against Fulham.
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