A harrowing moment marred Saturday’s clash between Millwall and Crystal Palace, as Palace striker Jean-Pierre Mateta was stretchered off with a critical head injury following a perilous challenge by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts. The incident unfolded just six minutes into the match when Roberts lunged outside his penalty area, striking Mateta with a high boot while attempting to clear the ball.
The match ground to a halt for over 10 minutes as medics rushed to Mateta, who sustained a deep laceration behind his ear and a severe head trauma. He was later transported to a hospital amid growing concerns for his condition. Roberts was ejected with a straight red card for reckless misconduct after referee Michael Oliver reviewed the incident via pitchside monitor, guided by VAR input.
The severity of the tackle sparked immediate outrage, particularly from Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, who described it as the “most dangerous challenge” he had witnessed in football. In a halftime interview with the BBC, Parish expressed anguish over Mateta’s well-being and criticized the incident’s handling:
“He’s in the hospital now with a serious head wound and injury. We’re all hoping for the best. I’ve never seen anything like it—it’s the worst tackle I’ve ever seen on a pitch. Emotions run high in this game, but this crossed every line. Honestly, it’s all I can think about right now because we’re so worried about JP.”
Parish also questioned the need for Oliver’s monitor review, stating, “The tackle was blatant for everyone to see.
I don’t understand why the referee needed to check the screen.”
The episode cast a pall over the remainder of the match, with Palace players visibly shaken by the fallout. Mateta’s condition remains under observation, while Roberts’ dismissal deals Millwall a critical blow ahead of upcoming fixtures. The incident has reignited debates over player safety and the role of VAR in addressing reckless challenges.