Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been given an additional three-game suspension by the Football Association.
Roberts was ejected from the FA Cup match last weekend for a reckless challenge against Crystal Palace player Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Mateta was given oxygen on the field and then transported to the hospital, where he needed 25 stitches to close a wound on his ear.
Referee Michael Oliver issued Roberts a red card for the foul, even though he didn’t initially call a foul.
Roberts was initially facing a three-match suspension for dangerous play, but the FA has increased the penalty.
Millwall stated their “disappointment” with the decision to extend Roberts’ suspension but affirmed they respect the established procedures.
The FA appealed the standard three-match ban because they felt the severity of the incident warranted a harsher punishment.
After a few hours, Mateta was discharged from the hospital as condemnation of the challenge grew.
Roberts stated that he personally contacted Jean-Philippe to apologize and was relieved to hear that Mateta was okay and not to worry.
“I am devastated by what happened.
"I fully accept the red card and the resulting punishment."
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish described the tackle as "the most reckless tackle I've ever witnessed."
Speaking during halftime, Parish reported that Mateta had a severe cut behind his ear and a head injury and was in the hospital. He expressed hope for Mateta’s recovery.
Parish acknowledged the emotional nature of football but stressed the need to address the nature of Roberts’ challenge.
He stated he had never seen such a challenge in all his years of watching football.
Parish, noting Roberts’ age of 30, condemned the challenge as the most reckless he had ever seen on a football field.
He urged Roberts to seriously reflect on his actions, asserting that such challenges endanger fellow professionals and potentially their lives.
Marcus Bellamy