Millwall keeper Liam Roberts has been banned for six matches for the red card he received following his horror tackle on Jean-Philippe Mateta. The 30-year-old was initally handed an automatic three-match suspension, but the FA appealed to an independent Regulatory Commission for a longer sanction.
The authority has now released a statement confirming their plea had been upheld. « The goalkeeper was sent off on Saturday, March 1, for serious foul play around the sixth minute of the Emirates FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace, » they said. « 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. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course. »
Since the incident, Millwall have claimed that Roberts, 30, has been subjected to a torrent of online abuse. The goalkeeper himself has also issued a statement where he admitted to being « devastated » by the saga and Mateta’s injury.
« As the dust settles I want to address what has been a really difficult week for all concerned, including my family and I, » he said. « Firstly, to Jean-Phillipe, who I continue to send my best wishes to in his recovery, as soon as I could I reached out personally to him to apologise and was thankful to hear back from him that evening he was ok, and assured me not to worry.
« I’m 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. »
Roberts also took aim at the media, who he accused of exacerbating the situation, adding: « I have categorically never stepped onto the pitch with the intention of hurting anyone.
« Misleading comments and articles have resulted in an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats towards my family and I. To the footballing community, and people who have reached out during this tough time, thank you, I appreciate every single message. »
Roberts also praised his club for their « unique » support, and said he was now looking forward to be returning to action. He won’t be available for selection to Alex Neill until April 12, with the Lions host Middlesbrough.
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