Jean-Philippe Mateta Expresses Gratitude and Hopes for Swift Recovery After Hospitalization Following Horror Challenge
Jean-Philippe Mateta has confirmed he is doing well and is hopeful for a quick return to action after being hospitalized due to a shocking challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts. Roberts was sent off just eight minutes into Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie, which Crystal Palace won 3-1, after his boot struck Mateta’s head as he rushed out to clear the ball. Referee Michael Oliver initially did not issue a red card but changed his decision after a VAR review. Mateta received extensive on-field treatment, including oxygen, before being stretchered off and taken to the hospital.
In a post on Instagram, Mateta thanked fans for their support, saying, "Thank you for all your kind messages. I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever. Well done guys for a great job today." Later on Saturday, Crystal Palace confirmed that Mateta had been discharged from the hospital.
The club stated, "He received specialist treatment and 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his left ear. All scans were clear, and JP is feeling well. He will now rest and recuperate over the following days, where his progress will be monitored by our club doctor."
Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed concern over the incident, stating that the challenge could have ended Mateta’s career. "Just imagine if he hits his face straight, with his power, with the studs—it is the end of JP’s career. I’m pretty sure he didn’t want to injure JP in this situation, but I also think that you have to decide when you make such an impact. You just can’t do it in this way," said Glasner.
Mateta, who has been in excellent form this season, had scored eight goals in his previous nine games and has 15 goals in total for Palace. The 27-year-old also netted five times as France secured silver at the Paris Olympics last year.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish described the incident as "the most reckless challenge" he had ever seen. "What we know is he’s got a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury. Obviously, he’s at the hospital. So, we hope for the best. That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen, and I think he needs to have a long, hard look at himself because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe his life, with a challenge like that," Parish told the BBC.
Crystal Palace capitalized on their numerical advantage for the majority of the game to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Japhet Tanganga’s own goal broke Millwall’s resistance, followed by a second goal from Daniel Munoz. Wes Harding pulled one back for Millwall 13 minutes into first-half stoppage time, which was extended due to Mateta’s treatment. Palace sealed their victory in the 82nd minute when Eddie Nketiah’s looping header found the far corner.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Topics mentioned in this article:
- Jean-Philippe Mateta
- Liam Roberts
- Crystal Palace
- Millwall
- FA Cup
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