Crystal Palace star Jean Philippe-Mateta hospitalised after ‘most reckless challenge ever’ in FA Cup

The FA Cup turned nasty on Saturday, with star French striker Jean Philippe-Mateta hospitalised after a red-card challenge dubbed the most reckless of all time.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 01: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace is stretchered off the pitch by medical staff after a challenge by Liam Roberts of Millwall (not pictured) which resulted in a red card during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Crystal Palace and Millwall at Selhurst Park on March 01, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Crystal Palace striker Jean Philippe-Mateta was hospitalised by a “reckless” challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts during the Eagles’ 3-1 win in the FA Cup fifth round, while Bournemouth reached the quarter-finals after a penalty shoot-out victory against Wolves on Saturday.

Roberts was sent off just eight minutes into the south London derby at Selhurst Park after catching Mateta’s head with his boot as he raced out of the penalty area to clear the ball.

Referee Michael Oliver only issued a red card after a VAR review of the challenge, with Roberts winning the ball before accidently crashing his boot into Mateta’s head.

Worst ‘tackle’ I’ve ever seen in football. Absolutely shameful assault on Jean-Philippe Mateta by Millwall’s goalkeeper Liam Roberts. He was sent off, but if he did that to someone in the street he’d be jailed. pic.twitter.com/CgbnimbCeQ

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 1, 2025

Mateta received lengthy treatment, including oxygen, on the pitch before being stretchered to an ambulance and transported to hospital.

“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,” Mateta posted on Instagram.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Mateta had suffered a serious injury to his ear but said the impact could have ended the Frenchman’s career.

“Just imagine if he hits his face straight, with his power, with the studs, it is the end of JP’s career,” said Glasner.

Crystal Palace's French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta receives medical attention. Picture: AFP

“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.”

Mateta had scored eight goals in his previous nine games and has 15 in total for Palace this season.

Palace chairman Steve Parish described as the “most reckless challenge” he had ever seen.

“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, that lad, because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe his life, with a challenge like that,” Parish told the BBC.

Palace made use of the man advantage to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Japhet Tanganga’s own goal put Palace ahead in the 33rd minute before Daniel Munoz prodded in the second seven minutes later.

English referee Michael Oliver shows a red card to Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts. Picture: AFP

Wes Harding pulled a goal back for the Lions 13 minutes into first-half stoppage time added on for Mateta’s treatment.

Palace were made to wait until 82 minutes to ensure progress when Eddie Nketiah’s looping header found the far corner.

Bournemouth advanced to the last eight for only the third time in their history with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over Wolves after their 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium.

Evanilson’s 30th-minute opener for Bournemouth was followed by VAR controversy as Milos Kerkez had a second ruled out for offside after an eight-minute check when the new semi-automated version of the system broke down.

Matheus Cunha levelled for Wolves with a second-half rocket to force extra-time, but the Brazilian was sent off for violent conduct after repeatedly clashing with Kerkez just before the penalties.

AFC Bournemouth celebrate victory in the penalty shoot out over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Picture: Getty

After Matt Doherty missed when he had the chance to send Wolves through, Boubacar Traore hit the crossbar and Luis Sinisterra sealed the win for Andoni Iraola’s men.

Milutin Osmajic taunted Burnley fans after helping Preston into the quarter-finals for the first time since 1966 with a 3-0 win at Deepdale.

When the Championship sides played in the league two weeks ago, Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri accused Osmajic of racist abuse, allegations which the Preston striker denies.

The incident remains the subject of an FA investigation and Mejbri was left out of the squad for the rematch.

Burnley players declined to shake hands with Montenegro international Osmajic before their latest meeting.

Osmajic got Preston’s second goal late in the first half and celebrated by taunting Burnley fans with his hands cupped around his ears before being embraced by his team-mates.

Robbie Brady had put the hosts in front in the 31st minute and Will Keane added a third midway through the second half as Preston ended Burnley’s 23-game unbeaten run.