Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has been discharged from the hospital after receiving 25 stitches for a severe ear laceration suffered in his side’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Millwall. The French forward was injured in the eighth minute following a brutal collision with Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
Despite Mateta lying motionless on the pitch, play initially continued before referee Michael Oliver was advised by VAR to review the incident. After watching replays, Oliver issued Roberts a straight red card for dangerously striking Mateta’s head with his boot. The match was halted for eight minutes while Mateta received oxygen before being stretchered off.
Palace later confirmed that Mateta had undergone specialist treatment at St George’s Hospital, where scans revealed no further complications beyond the gruesome wound. “We are very pleased to confirm that JP Mateta has been discharged… he will now rest and recuperate,” the club said, expressing gratitude to medical staff and fans for their support.
Mateta, Palace’s top scorer this season with 15 goals, reassured supporters on Instagram that he was recovering well. “Thank you all for your kind messages. I’m doing well,” he wrote. “I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever.” He also praised his teammates for their performance in securing a quarter-final spot.
Palace chairman Steve Parish condemned Roberts’ challenge, calling it the most reckless tackle he had ever seen in football. “He’s endangering a fellow professional—maybe even his life,” Parish told BBC Sport, questioning why the referee needed a second look before issuing a red card.
The match was also marred by controversy off the pitch, as sections of Millwall’s away supporters were heard chanting “let him die” while Mateta received treatment. However, the FA is not expected to take action, as the chants reportedly did not breach regulations.
Millwall could, however, face a separate investigation after homophobic abuse was directed at Palace left-back Ben Chilwell during the game. The club has yet to comment on the allegations but may come under pressure to respond.
With Mateta sidelined, Palace now await their quarter-final opponent, to be determined in the draw following Manchester United’s clash with Fulham. As they push for an FA Cup semi-final spot, the Eagles will be hoping for a favorable path forward.