FA release Liam Roberts Millwall punishment statement after Jean-Philippe Mateta horror injury

The Football Association has confirmed they have submitted a claim to increase the punishment handed to Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts after his horror challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Mateta was hospitalised after a challenge in the sixth minute of Saturday's FA Cup game at Selhurst Park. The Palace striker required 25 stitches after the challenge after being carried off on a stretcher.

Referee Michael Oliver sent Roberts off after being called to the VAR monitor to reconsider the original decision. Roberts has been heavily criticised for the challenge, which saw him raise his foot high in the air to catch Mateta.

On Wednesday, the FA confirmed that they were pushing for Roberts to receive a more severe punishment than the usual three-match ban for a straight red card. In a statement, FA Spokesperson said: "The FA has submitted a claim seeking to increase Liam Roberts' sanction following his sending off in the FA Cup tie between Millwall and Crystal Palace on Saturday, March 1.

"The goalkeeper was sent off for serious foul play around the 6th minute. The FA claims that in the circumstances the standard punishment for this offence is clearly insufficient. Liam Roberts has until Thursday, 6 March, to provide a response."

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish described Roberts’ challenge as the “most reckless” he has seen during a half-time interview with the BBC.

Millwall fans also sang 'let him die' while Mateta was down receiving treatment. The FA are unable to act on these chants but are understood to be investigating the alleged homophobic chants aimed at Ben Chilwell, the Palace left-back on loan from Chelsea.

Reports have stated that Millwall intend to fight any attempt to increase the ban handed to the goalkeeper.