Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts set for extended ban over horror Jean-Philippe Mateta challenge | OneFootball

Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts faces an extended ban for his challenge on Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta after the Football Association claimed that the usual three-game ban would be an insufficient punishment.

Mateta has been discharged from hospital after being left with 25 stitches in his ear as a result of the challenge from Roberts, which saw the goalkeeper sent off and the Crystal Palace chairman, Steve Parish, calling it “the most reckless challenge I’ve ever seen”.

The FA has now appealed against the usual three-match ban, insisting that the offence was of a nature that would make the standard punishment “clearly insufficient”, opening the door to a longer ban being imposed on Roberts.

The goalkeeper and Millwall have the right to respond in defence.

Mateta posted on social media on Sunday after he was taken off on a stretcher and helped into an ambulance as he left Selhurst Park. “Thank you all for your kind messages. I’m doing well,” Mateta said after Palace’s 3-1 win. “I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever. Well done guys for the great job today. I love you. JP.”

Roberts has until Thursday 6 March to respond to the FA’s claim. Earlier this week, his club condemned the abuse that had been directed at the goalkeeper since the incident.

“The club are disgusted by abuse directed towards goalkeeper Liam Roberts following Saturday’s unfortunate collision with Jean-Philippe Mateta,” Millwall said in a statement.

“The reporting on the matter, as well as disgraceful suggestions made by certain news organisations and high-profile figures within the sport that Liam intended to harm Jean-Philippe, has contributed to the unwarranted character assassination of Liam and fuelled abhorrent online abuse towards him.

“No player at Millwall Football Club steps onto the pitch with the intent to harm another, and the club will continue to support Liam, who reached out to Jean-Philippe personally on Saturday evening with an apology which was accepted immediately.

“The club are pleased to hear positive updates from Jean-Philippe and wish him the best in his recovery.”