Millwall fans were heard making obscene chants as Jean-Philippe Mateta received treatment (Image: BBC SPORT)
BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce was left shocked by the obscene chants from some Millwall fans during the early stages of their FA Cup game against Crystal Palace. There were fireworks on the pitch almost straight away, with Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta on the receiving end of a dangerous tackle from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
Roberts came rushing out of his goal in an attempt to clear the ball, which was bouncing at head height. His outstretched boot ended up making heavy contact with Mateta’s upper body, leaving the Frenchman in a crumpled heap and in need of medical attention.
A quick VAR intervention saw Michael Oliver called over to the pitchside monitor to review the incident, which resulted in Roberts being shown a straight red card. The sheer force of the challenge led to Mateta being stretchered off and taken into the back of an ambulance after receiving oxygen on the pitch.
While he was being treated by physios and medical staff, some Millwall fans at Selhurst Park appeared to chant: “Let him die, let him die, let him die.”
Pearce, who was commentating on the match, was left far from impressed and felt compelled to say: “Millwall fans are not endearing themselves with anyone with those chants about Mateta.” Express Sport has reached out to Millwall for comment.
Mateta was replaced by Eddie Nketiah, who turned the ball home with one of his first touches but saw the goal quickly ruled out for a handball. Palace eventually took the lead after 33 minutes, with the ball bouncing off the head of Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga and into the back of the net.
They doubled their advantage through Daniel Munoz, who raced into space to poke home from close range before the break. There were 13 minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half due to Mateta’s lengthy treatment before he was stretchered off.
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