Liam Roberts has received a six-game suspension for his horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Millwall goalkeeper was given a straight red card for a high-footed lunge on the Palace forward during last weekend's FA Cup fifth-round match at Selhurst Park.Mateta was taken to the hospital and required 25 stitches after the tackle, which the Football Association attempted to extend beyond a standard three-game suspension.
On Friday, English football's governing body confirmed that they had achieved their goal and had imposed a six-match suspension on the Lions' goalkeeper.
"The FA claimed that - in the circumstances - the standard punishment for this offence was clearly insufficient, and Liam Roberts subsequently denied this" in a press release.
"After a hearing, the Regulatory Commission upheld The FA's claim, overturned the standard three-match punishment, and imposed a six-match ban.
"The Regulatory Commission's written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course."
Roberts and Millwall issued a statement in response to the ban extension, apologizing to Mateta and discussing the difficulties they faced following the challenge last weekend.
"I'm devastated by what happened. "I unequivocally accept the red card and my punishment," the player said.
"Additionally, it has been extremely unpleasant to witness suggestions that I intended to harm a colleague. I have never stepped onto a football pitch with the intention of injuring someone.
"Misleading articles and comments have resulted in an unthinkable number of abusive messages and threats against my family and me.
"To the footballing community who know me and reached out with support through this tough time, thank you, I appreciate every single message."
Palace won the match 3-1, despite Roberts' challenge in the eighth minute.



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