Liam Roberts issues statement on Jean-Philippe Mateta red card after ban extended
Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been handed an extended six match ban after his red card for a reckless challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta
Millwall’s goalkeeper, Liam Roberts, has extended his well wishes to Jean-Philippe Mateta in a statement addressing his recent red card incident. The 30 year old Lions’ keeper was sent off for a reckless challenge on the Crystal Palace striker during their 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Selhurst Park.
Following an independent Regulatory Commission’s decision, Roberts’ ban was extended to six games after The Football Association successfully sought a harsher penalty. Having already missed one match since the incident, the former Middlesbrough keeper will be back from suspension by the time the Lions host Boro on April 12.
Roberts has released a statement in which he ‘unequivocally accepted’ his punishment and revealed that Mateta had told him ‘not to worry’ after he reached out to apologise post-match. The goalkeeper also criticised several ‘misleading articles and comments’ that led to him and his family receiving an ‘unthinkable amount of abuse’. He stated: “Hello everyone. As the dust settles, I want to address what has been a really difficult week for all involved, including my family and I.
“Firstly, to Jean-Philippe, who I continue to send my best wishes to in his recovery. As soon as I could, I reached out to Jean-Philippe personally to apologise, and I was thankful to hear back from him that evening that he was OK and reassured me not to worry.”
Millwall’s Liam Roberts has expressed his sorrow over the incident leading to his red card, while condemning the aftermath of threats and abuse levelled at him. “I am devastated by what happened. I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment. Furthermore, it has been extremely unpleasant to observe suggestions that I intended to harm a fellow professional. I have categorically never stepped onto a football pitch with the intention of hurting anyone,” he said.
Roberts continued, lamenting the impact of misleading coverage: “Misleading articles and comments have resulted in an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats towards my family and I. To the footballing community who know me and reached out with support through this tough time, thank you, I appreciate every single messa
Crystal Palace are among a host of European clubs eyeing a summer move for Royal Antwerp midfielder Mahamadou Doumbia, according to AfricaFoot.
The Eagles, alongside Sevilla and Brest, are reportedly keeping a close watch on the 20-year-old, who could soon become the next big talent to depart from the Belgian club.
Antwerp have made significant profits from the sales of Arthur Vermeeren, George Ilenikhena and Willian Pacho in the past two offseasons and are now preparing to sell another promising young talent this summer.
They would reportedly entertain Doumbia’s departure for a fee in the region of €10-15m (£8.4-12.6m), which would make it one of their most expensive sales ever.
