OFFICIAL: FA extend Millwall GK's ban to 6 games for his serious foul to Mateta

Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been waiting to hear whether or not he will receive a longer ban for his challenge on Jean Philippe-Mateta following an FA challenge

Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been handed a six-match ban for his challenge on Jean Philippe-Mateta last weekend.

The 30-year-old was shown a red card around the sixth minute of Millwall's FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace by Michael Oliver after catching Mateta with a high boot. The striker was subsequently taken to hospital and required 25 stitches to a laceration on his left ear.

It emerged on Wednesday morning that the FA were pushing for harsher sanctions to be placed upon Roberts, arguing that the standard three-match ban for serious foul play was 'clearly insufficient'.

A statement on the FA's website confirming the ban on Friday afternoon read: "An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld The FA’s claim to increase the suspension of Millwall’s Liam Roberts.

"The goalkeeper was sent off on Saturday 1 March, for serious foul play around the 6th minute of the Emirates FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace.

"The FA claimed that - in the circumstances - the standard punishment for this offence was clearly insufficient, and Liam Roberts subsequently denied this. Following a hearing, the Regulatory Commission upheld The FA’s claim, set aside the standard three-match punishment, and instead imposed a six-match ban.

"The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course."

Millwall issued a statement confirming they were 'disappointed' with such an outcome.

The club wrote: "Millwall Football Club has been notified by the Football Association that Liam Roberts has received an additional three match suspension following his red card against Crystal Palace on Saturday 1st March 2025.

"Whilst the club is disappointed with the outcome, it respects the process that has been undertaken."

Roberts, who apologised to Mateta privately after last Saturday's match, also commented. He said: "Hello everyone. As the dust settles, I want to address what has been a really difficult week for all involved, including my family and I.

"Firstly, to Jean-Philippe, who I continue to send my best wishes to in his recovery. As soon as I could, I reach out to Jean-Philippe personally to apologise, and I was thankful to hear back from him that evening that he was OK and reassured me not to worry.

"I am devastated by what happened. I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment. Furthermore, it has been extremely unpleasant to observe suggestions that I intended to harm a fellow professional. I have categorically never stepped onto a football pitch with the intention of hurting anyone.

"Misleading articles and comments have resulted in an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats towards my family and I. To the footballing community who know me and reached out with support through this tough time, thank you, I appreciate every single message.