- Football Association Pushes for Lengthier Suspension of Millwall Goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
- Millwall Defends Roberts Amid FA’s Appeal for Tougher Punishment.
- VAR Decision Sparks Controversy and Division Among Millwall Fans.
The Football Association (FA) is pushing for an extended suspension for Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts, arguing that his three-match ban for a dangerous tackle on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is inadequate.
Roberts was shown a red card just eight minutes into Millwall’s FA Cup fifth-round clash at Selhurst Park on Saturday following a reckless high challenge that left Mateta requiring 25 stitches around his left ear.
FA Calls for Harsher Punishment
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The Football Association has formally submitted a request to a regulatory commission, stating that the standard three-game suspension for serious foul play is “clearly insufficient.”
If the appeal is successful, the commission will determine a new penalty; otherwise, the original ban will stand.
Millwall, however, plans to contest the appeal and has until Tuesday to submit a response.
In a statement, the club reaffirmed its support for Roberts, condemning the “horrendous online abuse” directed at him.
Comparisons to Previous Disciplinary Cases
The Association has previously sought harsher sanctions in high-profile cases.
In 2023, Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrović had his three-match suspension extended to eight games after pushing referee Chris Kavanagh during a match with Manchester United.
However, in 2013, an appeal to lengthen Chelsea forward Eden Hazard’s three-game ban for kicking a ball boy was unsuccessful.
Mixed Reactions and Millwall’s Staunch Defense
Palace chairman Steve Parish strongly criticized Roberts’ tackle, calling it “the most reckless I’ve ever seen” and claiming it put a fellow professional’s safety—and potentially his life—at risk.
Millwall, however, hit back at the media coverage, arguing that it fueled an “unwarranted character assassination” of Roberts.
The club confirmed that Roberts personally apologized to Mateta post-match, and the apology was immediately accepted.
Meanwhile, Roberts served the first game of his suspension as Millwall suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bristol City on Tuesday.
Also Read: Fulham Triumphs Over Man United in Dramatic Shootout to Secure FA Cup Quarter-Final Spot
During the match, Millwall’s supporters demonstrated their loyalty, staging a minute’s applause in the eighth minute and chanting “There’s only one Liam Roberts.”
However, the crowd response was divided, with some fans booing.
VAR Decision and Fan Backlash
Referee Michael Oliver, who officiated the match, will not be assigned a Premier League fixture this weekend.
Roberts’ red card came after intervention from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), a decision that has fueled frustration among Millwall’s passionate fanbase.
Many supporters believe the backlash against Roberts has been excessive and unfair.
Their frustration was evident at The Den, where fans voiced their defiance, with some directing gestures towards the press box.
Loyalty runs deep within the Millwall community, and whenever they perceive an injustice, their unity and defiance only grow stronger.
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