The Football Association seeks to extend the suspension of the three matches delivered to the goalkeeper of Millwall Liam Roberts after being challenged by the striker Crystal Palace Jean-Philippe Mateta during the fa Cup conflict of the fifth round.
Roberts showed a red card just eight minutes in the race at Selhurst Park on Saturday after a high challenge left by the mattea that requires 25 stitches around his left ear.
The FA has considered the formal suspension of three games for a serious foul as “clearly inadequate” and has appealed to a regulatory committee in the hope of increasing the ban.
Millwall intends to challenge FA’s claim and has until Tuesday officially responding.
A statement from the club confirmed that they would “continue to support” Roberts, who has undergone “terrible electronic abuse” after the incident.
If FA’s request is granted, the Commission will set a new penalty for Roberts. If rejected, the initial suspension of three games will stand.
There is a precedent for such cases. In 2023, Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic had a ban on the three matches expanding to eight after pushing referee Chris Kavanagh during the loss of the FA Cup in Manchester United.
On the contrary, in 2013, an attempt to increase the suspension of the Chelsea Forward Eden Hazard was rejected after his mission to kick a 17 -year -old ball boy during a championship match against Swansea.
FA is trying to expand the ban on the three games of Millwall Liam Roberts after its red card in the FA Cup. pic.twitter.com/trg6br1F6N
– BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 5 2025
Palace president condemns Roberts
The palace president, Steve Parish, did not hold back in his criticism of dealing, describing it as “the most reckless I have ever seen” and claiming that Roberts “threatened a colleague and perhaps his life”.
Meanwhile, Millwall expressed his frustration over how the incident was depicted, stating that Roberts’ “unjustified character killing” has led to the media.
The club also noted that Roberts arrived at Mateta after the race to apologize and his apology was “accepted immediately”.
Millwall fans rally behind Roberts
Roberts has already begun to serve his suspension, Millwall 2-0’s defeat at Bristol City in the league on Tuesday is missing.
During the race, Millwall supporters showed their support for him by holding a minute applause in the eighth minute, while chanting: “There is only one Liam Roberts.” However, some parts of the crowd responded with boos.
Michael Oliver, who issued Roberts’ red card after a VAR review, will not organize a Premier League match this weekend.
Reports indicate that Millwall fans made their feelings known to The Den, where a strong and provocative protest unfolded. Some supporters in the main pavilion even turned to the press box to make gestures, emphasizing their belief that Roberts has been unjustly treated.
Millwall’s fanbase is known for his intense faith and this feeling has only intensified in response to what they perceive as an unfair level of criticism.
