Mateta given 25 stitches after horror head tackle in FA Cup clash

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Mateta given 25 stitches after horror head tackle in FA Cup clash

Mateta given 25 stitches after horror head tackle in FA Cup clash

Crystal Palace striker, Jean-Philippe Mateta, has now been discharged from hospital following a horrific head-high tackle by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.

Mateta was stretchered off at Selhurst Park on Saturday during their 3-1 win.

Palace have now revealed that the Frenchman had to undergo 25 stitches to a “severe laceration” to his left ear.

An official statement also confirmed that Mateta had normal scans and was feeling well.

Referee Michael Oliver had initially shown Roberts a yellow card for the tackle.

However, following further consultation on the VAR pitchside monitor, he brandished a straight red card.

Palace chairman Steve Parish labelled Roberts’ challenge as “the most reckless” he has ever seen and claimed that the keeper was “endangering a fellow professional”.