Crystal Palace striker, Jean-Philippe Mateta, has reassured fans about his condition after being hospitalized due to a dangerous challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts during their FA Cup fifth-round clash.
The incident occurred just eight minutes into the match, which Palace eventually won 3-1.
Roberts received a red card after a VAR review overturned the referee’s initial decision to take no action.
The Millwall shot-stopper caught Mateta’s head with his boot while attempting to clear the ball, leaving the French forward needing extensive medical attention on the pitch, including oxygen, before being stretchered off and taken to the hospital.
Following the match, Mateta provided an update via Instagram, assuring supporters of his well-being.
“Thank you for all your kind messages. I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon — stronger than ever. Well done, guys, for a great job today,” he wrote.
Crystal Palace later confirmed Mateta had been discharged after receiving 25 stitches for a deep laceration to his left ear. Fortunately, scans revealed no further complications.
“He received specialist treatment and 25 stitches for a severe laceration to his left ear. All scans were clear, and JP is feeling well,” the club stated.
“He will now rest and recuperate over the following days, with his progress monitored by our club doctor.”
Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed his concern over the severity of the challenge, suggesting it could have had devastating consequences for Mateta’s career.
“Just imagine if he had hit his face directly — with that power and with the studs — it could have been the end of JP’s career,” Glasner remarked.
“I’m pretty sure he didn’t intend to injure JP, but when you make such an impact, you just can’t do it in that way.”
Mateta had been in fine form prior to the incident, scoring eight goals in his last nine appearances and 15 in total for the season.
The 27-year-old also played a key role in France’s silver-medal-winning campaign at the Paris Olympics, contributing five goals.
Club chairman Steve Parish did not hold back in his criticism of Roberts’ challenge, calling it one of the most reckless tackles he had ever witnessed.
“What we know is he has a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury. Obviously, he’s at the hospital, so we hope for the best,” Parish told the BBC.
“That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen. I think he (Roberts) needs to take a long, hard look at himself because he endangered a fellow professional — maybe even his life — with that challenge.”
Despite the early setback, Palace capitalized on their numerical advantage to secure a quarter-final berth.
Japhet Tanganga’s own goal broke the deadlock, followed by Daniel Muñoz doubling the lead.
Millwall’s Wes Harding pulled one back in first-half stoppage time, which was extended due to Mateta’s treatment. However, Eddie Nketiah sealed the victory in the 82nd minute with a well-placed looping header.
