FA wants Millwall keeper Roberts' ban extended

The Football Association (FA) is calling for an extension of Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts' three-match ban due to a reckless challenge that left Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta with serious injuries, necessitating 25 stitches. The FA deems the standard ban for such serious foul play as "clearly insufficient" and has submitted a claim to a regulatory commission to reassess the punishment. Millwall intends to contest this claim, stating they will support Roberts amid the "horrendous online abuse" he has received. The club also reported that Roberts reached out to Mateta after the match, delivering an apology that was accepted. The incident has provoked wide-ranging reactions, with Palace chairman Steve Parish labeling the tackle as "the most reckless I've ever seen.

" Millwall fans showed solidarity for Roberts during the team's subsequent match, highlighting their loyalty and sense of injustice regarding the backlash. If the FA's claim is upheld, a new punishment will be determined; if dismissed, Roberts will continue to serve his initial ban. This situation mirrors past incidents in football where bans were increased following FA appeals, raising questions about consistency in disciplinary actions.