Jean-Philippe Mateta: FA criticised over Crystal Palace letter about Liam Roberts challenge
Crystal Palace accused Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts of hurting Jean-Philippe Mateta with “the most extreme and violent force.”
The 30-year-old is Six matches are prohibited After he was sent to his side for eight minutes 3-1 FA Cup Loss in the fifth round at Selhurst Park Because he kicked Mateta on his head when he scored the goal.
For written reasons related to Football Association’s call to increase Roberts’ first three-game ban, the Premier League club submitted an emotional letter to the FA, viewed by the Regulatory Commission that oversees the case.
Part of it reads: “LR (Roberts) is fully aware of JPM (Mateta); there is time to exit the challenge, but he may call up the most extreme and violent forces he may call up.”
The French striker was given oxygen before being taken to the hospital and needed 25 needles to cause severe cracks in his left ear.
Despite the Palace’s letter, the committee (who agreed to the ban on three games was insufficient – questioned the FA’s reliance on it and needed to deal with it “quite caution”.
It added: “The exaggeration in the CPFC letter does not help the committee evaluate the evidence in a ruthless, rational and impartial manner.”
“The vast majority of CPFC’s letters must be treated with caution to exaggerate the exaggeration and partial description of the incident.
“So, the FA’s dependence on CPFC letters is somewhat disturbing.”
The FA believes that the degree of recklessness is “real particularity” and hopes to make it clear to players that “highly reckless actions will have serious consequences.”
Roberts contacted Mateta at 18:56 on the day of the game and a few hours later the striker gave him his cell phone number.
He told the committee: “I made a mistake for a second and had terrible consequences for Mr. Mateta, and I am deeply sorry.”
He added: “I was immediately shocked by the incident. I could see Mateta getting injured and being treated…I was directly concerned with him.
“Although I don’t accept the standard punishment, it’s reckless for my acceptance of the challenge, and the dispatch is reasonable. Again, I’m very sorry.”
The former Walsall and Middlesbrough goalkeeper stood out on social media after being abused after being challenged in the fifth round earlier this month and said his wife was also targeted.
He told the committee that he hurt another professional “had a real impact on my mental health.”
