Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been handed a six-match suspension following his challenge on Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta last weekend.
The decision came after an independent regulatory panel upheld the Football Association’s claim that the initial three-game ban was insufficient.
Roberts was shown a straight red card in the fifth round FA Cup tie after his high boot caught Mateta in the head when they both went for the ball.
The impact caused a severe laceration to Mateta’s left ear, requiring 25 stitches and resulting in the French striker being taken to the hospital for treatment.
The FA lodged an appeal to extend the standard three-match suspension, arguing that the punishment did not reflect the severity of the offence.
The independent panel agreed, issuing a six-game ban for the Millwall shot-stopper on Friday.
A statement from the FA read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld The FA’s claim to increase the suspension of Millwall’s Liam Roberts.
“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.
“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.”
Despite the injury, Palace manager Oliver Glasner remains hopeful that Mateta will recover in time for the club’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with Fulham later this month.
The forward’s absence would be a significant blow for Palace, as he has been in excellent form recently.
Millwall confirmed that Roberts has personally reached out to Mateta to apologise for the incident. The club has not appealed the extended ban.
