Jean-Philippe Mateta in hospital with head injury after ‘reckless challenge’

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has criticised Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.

Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta is taken from the field on a stretcher. Pic: PA

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish branded the challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta that got Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts sent off in their fifth-round FA Cup clash “the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen”.

The incident occurred early in the first half at Selhurst Park when Roberts was rushing, leg extended, to meet a through ball and kicked the Palace striker in the head.