Millwall fans were heard singing a new chant in reference to the injury suffered by Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta last Saturday.
Supporters in the Lions away end against Watford could be heard signing the song after Mateta, 27, was rushed to hospital after a challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
The chants ’25 stitches, it should have been more’ and ‘Que sera sera whatever will be will be, Mateta’s in A & E’ could be heard in the background of Sky Sports’ coverage of the match on Saturday afternoon.
Millwall ran out 2-1 winners at Vicarage Road thanks to a towering header from striker Josh Coburn.
Roberts, 30, was sent off in the FA Cup tie between the two teams on March 1 for catching Mateta in the head.
Supporters in the Lions away end against Watford could be heard signing the song
Millwall goalkeeper Roberts hospitalised Jean-Philippe Mateta after a high challenge in the FA Cup on Saturday
Supporters in the Lions away end for the game against Watford could be heard signing the song
In the wake of that incident, Millwall supporters could be heard chanting ‘let him die’ from the visiting section at Selhurst Park.
A song was also heard referencing his trip to hospital – only for Palace to have the final say on the pitch by winning the ill-tempered south London derby 3-1.
The Daily Mail has been banned from attending Millwall matches and press conferences, as a result of the outlet’s reporting surrounding the incident on Saturday.
It was after requesting to speak to Roberts that the Mail learned of the ban.
Roberts’ extended six-game ban for his tackle was confirmed by an independent commission’s decision on Friday afternoon.
The FA statement read: ‘An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld The FA’s claim to increase the suspension of Millwall’s Liam Roberts.
‘The goalkeeper was sent off on Saturday, 1 March, for serious foul play around the 6th minute of the FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace.
‘The FA claimed that – in the circumstances – the standard punishment for this offence was clearly insufficient, and Liam Roberts subsequently denied this.
‘Following a hearing, the Regulatory Commission upheld The FA’s claim, set aside the standard three-match punishment, and instead imposed a six-match ban.
Mateta was given an oxygen mask before being taken off the pitch on a stretcher
Roberts admitted it has been a ‘difficult week’ after he was widely criticised for his challenge
‘The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.’
Roberts responded to the lengthy ban with his own statement released on Millwall’s official website.
He revealed that he had reached out to Mateta to apologise for the incident, but denied there was any malice behind his tackle and hit out at the abusive messages he has received in the aftermath of Saturday’s game.
Roberts wrote in his statement: ‘As the dust settles, I want to address what has been a really difficult week for all concerned, 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.
‘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.
‘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 message.
‘Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody connected to Millwall Football Club for their continued support. The togetherness throughout this club is unique, and I can’t wait to be back out on the pitch in front of our fans.
Be kind. Take care, Robbo.’
