FA Cup Fifth Round: Crystal Palace Advances with 3-1 Win Over Millwall Amidst Controversy

Image credits: Skysports

The FA Cup fifth-round tie between Crystal Palace and Millwall was marked by controversy after a horrific challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The incident occurred in the eighth minute of the match, with Roberts kicking Mateta in the head as they battled for the ball. The French forward was given 10 minutes of medical attention before being stretchered off and taken to the hospital with a head injury and a "bad gash behind his ear".

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish condemned the challenge, calling it "the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I've ever seen". He also stated that Roberts "needs to have a long hard look at himself because he's endangering a fellow professional with a challenge like that". The referee initially took no action but sent Roberts off after checking the pitchside monitor. Despite the controversy, Crystal Palace managed to secure a 3-1 win, with goals from Japhet Tanganga (own goal), Daniel Munoz, and Eddie Nketiah. Millwall's Wes Harding scored a consolation goal before half-time.

The match was also marred by homophobic chants aimed at Crystal Palace left-back Ben Chilwell from a section of Millwall fans, which the FA will investigate. However, the governing body will not be investigating the "let him die" chants directed at Mateta while he was receiving medical treatment, as they do not breach the FA's regulations. Millwall boss Alex Neil defended his player, saying that Roberts did not intend to hurt Mateta and that the challenge was "mistimed". Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner wished Mateta a speedy recovery and expressed his disappointment with the foul, stating that it was a "very serious injury" and that he "can't be really happy" about the win due to the circumstances.

Mateta's injury has sparked widespread concern, with many drawing comparisons to a notorious foul by West Germany 'keeper Harald Schumacher on France defender Patrick Battiston in the 1982 World Cup semi-final. The Crystal Palace striker has been in superb form this season, scoring 15 goals in 33 appearances, including eight in his last eight Premier League games. The team will be hoping for his speedy recovery as they advance to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. The injury to Mateta has also raised questions about player safety and the need for stricter punishments for reckless challenges. The FA will be under pressure to take action and ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. The match itself was a testament to the intensity and passion of the FA Cup, with both teams giving their all in a thrilling encounter.

Here are the match scores:

• Crystal Palace 3
• Millwall 1

And here are the goalscorers:

• Japhet Tanganga (own goal)
• Daniel Munoz
• Wes Harding
• Eddie Nketiah

The win secures Crystal Palace's spot in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, and they will be hoping to continue their run in the competition. The team's performance was impressive, despite the controversy surrounding the match. They will be looking to build on this momentum as they move forward in the tournament.

millwall palace mateta crystal philippe jean liam robert nketiah parish