FA Cup: Crystal Palace Striker Mateta ‘Conscious’ in Hospital

Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta is “conscious” following hospitalization.

Mateta was kicked in the face by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts in the eighth minute of Saturday’s fifth-round FA Cup match.

Referee Michael Oliver initially gave Roberts a yellow card but upgraded it to a straight red after looking at the incident on a VAR screen on the pitch.

Palace chairman Steve Parish described the tackle as “the most reckless challenge” he has ever witnessed.

He also reported that Mateta had a cut behind his ear and was being treated further at a nearby hospital.

Parish reacted furiously to the tackle which resulted in Roberts’ red card.

After the match, Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that Mateta was “conscious.”

Later on Saturday, Mateta wrote on social media: “I’m doing well.

“I hope to be back very soon and stronger than ever. Well done, guys, for the great job today.”