BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce has strongly condemned the offensive chants from Millwall fans directed at Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Mateta was quickly taken to the hospital and given oxygen after a collision with goalkeeper Liam Roberts, which resulted in Roberts being sent off.
Mateta suffered a “nasty cut” behind his ear but has assured fans that he is “doing well”.
During the game at Selhurst Park, Millwall fans were heard chanting “Let Him Die,” chants which Pearce openly criticized during his commentary.
Pearce commented: “Millwall fans are not making any friends with their chants about Mateta. The club might face consequences for that.”
According to reports, the FA will also investigate “Chelsea rent boys” chants aimed at Ben Chilwell, who is currently on loan to Palace.
However, the FA will not investigate the “let him die” chants targeting Mateta, as they are considered not to violate regulations.
Just six minutes into the FA Cup fifth-round match, Will Hughes of Palace made an excellent long pass.
Mateta and Millwall defender Jake Cooper competed for the ball when Lions goalkeeper Roberts rushed out of his goal area.
Roberts appeared to make contact with the ball, but his stray boot then struck Mateta’s head.
Referee Michael Oliver initially allowed play to continue, but stopped the game after a Palace shot was cleared.
After initially deciding against it, Oliver reviewed the play on the VAR monitor and then sent Roberts off, announcing the decision over the stadium loudspeaker before showing the red card.
Mateta remained on the ground receiving medical attention for several minutes.
After about ten minutes, he was stretchered off the field and taken to an ambulance waiting to transport him to the hospital.
The French striker was given oxygen as he was carried away.
Eddie Nketiah substituted Mateta as a concussion substitute, meaning Palace still had all five of their regular substitutions available.
Millwall also made a change, with goalkeeper Lukas Jensen replacing Luke Cundle, in a tactical switch by manager Alex Neil.
An own goal by Japhet Tanganga and a goal from Daniel Munoz put Palace ahead, before Wes Harding scored one back in the 14th minute of added time.
Eddie Nketiah scored again, securing a 3-1 victory for Palace and a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Mateta later posted on Instagram: “Thank you for all your kind messages.
“I’m doing well. I hope to return soon, stronger than before.
“Well done to the team for today’s great performance. I love you all. JP.”
Palace chairman Steve Parish criticized Millwall goalkeeper Roberts for “endangering” Mateta’s life in a passionate halftime interview.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner was questioned about Mateta’s injury after the match.
Glasner said: “He is conscious and in the hospital. His ear looks bad. It’s a very serious injury, and we hope for the best for him.”
“We are not really happy, even with the win. Of course, it’s great to reach the quarter-finals, but losing a player to such a foul leaves mixed feelings.”
“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the replay, but I did, and it’s awful. I’m sure the goalkeeper didn’t intend to injure JP, no player wants that.”
“But going for the ball with that intensity and foot height is unacceptable because it’s very dangerous, and we all have a responsibility for player safety. I don’t want to blame him, but it was a terrible foul.”
“During the game, it seemed quick, and I thought he touched the ball first. But seeing it in slow motion now, it looks much worse.”
Millwall manager Alex Neil commented: “The ball was played behind, Liam Roberts came out, as he often does.
“He misjudged it and hit the player. It was mistimed, and the sending off made the game much harder for us.”
“I don’t believe there was intent. Why would there be? We don’t want any player to be injured.”
“We wish him a quick recovery and hope he’s back playing soon. It was a mistimed challenge, he was sent off, he’s disappointed, and we all hope Mateta recovers well.”
“Playing against Premier League opposition away is already tough with 11 men. The goals we conceded are the most disappointing aspect for me.”
Marcus Bellamy