Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has provided an update on his condition after being rushed to hospital with a head and ear injury sustained by "the most reckless challenge" from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
Roberts was shown a straight red card, following a VAR review, in the eighth minute of Millwall's 3-1 defeat to Palace in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, after dashing off his line and catching Mateta with a high boot.
Mateta attempted to chase down a pass towards Millwall's goal before Roberts decided to leap into the air with his left boot raised towards Mateta's head, catching the Frenchman's left ear and the side of his head.
Palace's No.14 required oxygen as he received on-field treatment for almost 10 minutes before being stretchered off and taken to an ambulance, with substitute Eddie Nketiah coming on as his replacement to score the Eagles' third and final goal in their win at Selhurst Park.
At half time, Palace chairman Steve Parish slammed Roberts's challenge on Mateta, whose life was 'endangered' by the Millwall goalkeeper.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish on the foul that put Jean-Philippe Mateta in hospital 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/UsNpkrU9sf
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Mateta's life was 'endangered' by "terrible challenge", says Parish
Speaking on BBC One, an enraged Parish said: "So far, what we know is he [Mateta] has a bad gash behind his ear. He's obviously at the hospital.
"In all the time I've watched football, I've not seen a challenge like it. That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I've ever seen, and I think he [Roberts] needs to have a long, hard look at himself because he's endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.
"It is difficult for me to talk about the rest of the game. It's a terrible challenge."
Parish struck a calmer tone when speaking to Sky Sports News after the match, adding "I think [Mateta] is OK, I've had a message from his agents.
"It's a head injury so you don't really know, but he's got a really bad gash. I think his ear is almost in half. It's a bad one, but I've said what I've said.
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Mateta provides positive update after being hospitalised
"The game's over and credit to Millwall, they made it difficult for us today and we're through to the next round, which JP will be happy about and we are as well.
"I wasn't really angry [in his half-time interview]. I hope I didn't come across like that. I watch a lot of football and it was some challenge.
"You've got to assume the kid doesn't mean it. I think he's het up, there's a lot of pressure and he hasn't played for them that much. I'm sure he'll want to apologise and I heard he's very upset himself.
"It was just a shocking challenge and at that time, I was very worried for JP. We still are slightly, but hopefully he's OK."
Palace head coach Oliver Glasner confirmed after the match that Mateta was conscious in hospital and the striker himself has since reassured Eagles supporters with an update on his condition.
"Thank you all for your kind messages. I'm doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever," Mateta posted on Instagram. "Well done guys for the great job today. I love you. JP."
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Glasner reacts to "very serious" Mateta injury after FA Cup win
Glasner has said that Crystal Palace's win against Millwall was difficult to enjoy following the terrible injury to Mateta, telling reporters: "It's a very serious injury and we hope the best for him.
"We can't be really happy. Of course it's a great win and into the quarter-finals, but when you lose a player with a foul like this, you have two different feelings in your stomach.
"I didn't want to see it, but I have to talk about it. It's terrible [the challenge]. I'm sure that the goalkeeper didn't want to injure JP in this situation because no player wants this.
"But if you go the ball like this with the intensity in the head, you just can't do it because it's so dangerous. I don't want to blame him, but it's a terrible foul."
The severity of Mateta's injury currently remains unknown, but the striker has now emerged as a major doubt for Palace's next match at home to Ipswich Town in the Premier League next Saturday.
Mateta has been in magnificent form in front of goal for the Eagles this season, scoring 15 times in 33 appearances across all competitions, including eight strikes in his last eight Premier League matches.
Oliver Thomas
