Oliver Glasner reached the FA Cup quarter-finals with Crystal Palace on Saturday: However, the 3-1 win against Millwall was overshadowed by a horror foul and tasteless singing by the away fans.
Crystal Palace advanced to the FA Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2022 on Saturday. However, the 3-1 home victory for the team of coach Oliver Glasner against second division team Millwall was overshadowed by a head injury to striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Frenchman was struck in the head early in the game by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts while making a clearance with his leg raised and studs first. During his treatment, Millwall fans shouted “Let him die!”
Mateta was given oxygen on the field and then taken to hospital. As Glasner told the BBC after the game, the 27-year-old former Mainz player is conscious after the brutal foul. “We’re not really happy today,” said the visibly shocked Austrian, referring to his attacker’s serious injury. “His ear looks terrible. It’s a very serious injury, we hope for the best for him.”
In the evening, Mateta finally got in touch with his fans via Instagram: “Thank you for all the nice messages. I’m fine. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever.”
The comments of the Millwall supporters quickly sparked a wave of outrage in the British media. Goalkeeper Roberts was shown the red card for his Kung Fu action according to the video images (8th).
Crystal Palace boss Steve Parish was incensed by the fact that the referee needed the VAR to send the keeper off. “That’s the most reckless tackle I’ve ever seen on a football pitch,” said Parish. “I think he should thoroughly question himself, because with such an attack he endangers a colleague, maybe even his life.” The club boss drew parallels to the 1982 World Cup semi-final between Germany and France, when DFB keeper Toni Schumacher jumped Patrick Battiston in the face and kicked the Frenchman unconscious.
Crystal Palace finally took the lead through an own goal from former Augsburg player Tanganga (33′), before Munoz made it 2-0 before half-time (40′). Late in the first half of extra time, Harding (45.+13) had sparked hope at Millwall, but Mateta replacement Nketiah sealed the win in the 81st minute.
