Crystal Palace striker John-Philip Mateta has exited the FA Cup competition due to a facial injury sustained during a clash with the Millwall goalkeeper. The incident occurred as the goalkeeper attempted to clear the ball with his foot while Mateta was going for a header, resulting in a significant head injury for the striker. This injury may sideline him for the remainder of the season, impacting not only the team but also Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers and fans globally.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish referred to the challenge made by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts, which led to Jean Philippe-Mateta being hospitalized, as “the most reckless” he has ever seen. The incident took place just eight minutes into their FA Cup fifth round match, which Palace won 3-1, when Roberts struck Mateta’s head with his foot while trying to clear the ball. Following a VAR review, referee Michael Oliver issued a red card.
Mateta received significant medical attention on the pitch, including oxygen, before being taken to the hospital on a stretcher. Parish gave an update, saying, “What we know is that he’s got a bad cut behind his ear and a head injury. Obviously, he’s at the hospital, so we hope for the best.”
Parish condemned the challenge, remarking, “That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen, and I think he needs to take a long hard look at himself because he’s endangering a fellow professional, possibly even his life, with a challenge like that.”
Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that Mateta is awake but has suffered a serious ear injury. He stated, “He is conscious and he is in the hospital. His ear looks terrible. It’s a very serious injury, so we hope all the best for him.”
