Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has expressed his desire to continue playing despite suffering a serious ear injury during the FA Cup match against Millwall. The incident left Mateta requiring 25 stitches after a shocking challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts, which resulted in a stretcher removal at Selhurst Park in last month’s fifth-round tie, where Crystal Palace secured a 3-1 victory.
Roberts faced severe repercussions for the challenge, receiving a six-match ban from the Football Association. The injury left Mateta bloodied and in need of immediate medical attention.
Despite the severity of his wounds, Mateta was initially unaware of the extent of the damage and urged the team doctor to allow him to return to play. “I was good to go. I thought, ‘just get the blood off and keep going,'” he stated. He recounted arguing with the medical staff for nearly 30 seconds, expressing his determination to continue playing even though he couldn’t see the injury.
Reflecting on the incident, Mateta noted that while he was aware of the blood, he believed it was just a minor cut. “My ear was like this [dangling]. But it was not painful,” he added.
Following his injury, Mateta received numerous messages of support from the club. He mentioned that Roberts had reached out to him via text while he was hospitalized, offering his apologies for the incident. “It is football,” Mateta reassured him.
On the backlash faced by Roberts from fans on social media, Mateta remarked, “It is crazy, but the fans will react on social media. I didn’t send them to do this.” He emphasized that he does not believe Roberts acted with malice during the challenge, attributing it to the pressures of the game and calling it a mere mistake.
Looking ahead, Mateta targets a return to action in the FA Cup quarter-finals against Fulham on March 29, after having resumed individual training. He missed Crystal Palace’s recent 1-0 Premier League victory over Ipswich but is optimistic about rejoining the squad soon.
Upon his return to the pitch, Mateta revealed he will wear a protective face mask as a precaution while his ear heals. “I will take the best one that is most comfortable,” he confirmed.
