FA Cup: Mateta express optimism after deadly clash with Millwall’s goalkeeper

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has expressed optimism after suffering 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.

However, Mateta said he will come back “stronger than ever” after being hospitalised on Saturday.

“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,” Mateta later posted on Instagram.

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.

“The most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen,” Steve Parish, Palace chairman labelled the tackle 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, disclosed 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,” Glasner said.

He also criticized the goalkeeper for a reckless challenge against his striker. “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.”