FA criticised over 'emotional' Mateta letter

Crystal Palace accused Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts of injuring Jean-Philippe Mateta with "the most extreme and violent force", it has been revealed.

The 30-year-old was banned for six games after he was sent off eight minutes into his side's 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round defeat at Selhurst Park for kicking Mateta in the head as he rushed out of goal.

In the written reasons in relation to the Football Association's appeal to increase Roberts' initial three-match ban, the Premier League club submitted an emotional letter to FA which was viewed by the regulatory commission overseeing the case.

Part of it read: "LR [Roberts] was fully aware of JPM [Mateta]; had time to pull out of the challenge but proceeded with the most extreme and violent force he could possibly have mustered."

The French striker was given oxygen before being taken to hospital and needed 25 stitches for a severe laceration to his left ear.

Despite Palace's letter, the commission - which agreed the three-match ban was insufficient - questioned the FA's reliance on it and much of it needed to be treated with "considerable caution".

"The hyperbole within CPFC letter does not assist the Commission in assessing the evidence in an unemotional, rational and impartial manner," it added.

"The vast majority of the CPFC letter must be treated with considerable caution as an exaggerated and partial account of events.

"The FA's reliance of the CPFC letter is, therefore, somewhat troubling."

The FA argued the degree of recklessness was "truly exceptional" and wanted to make it clear to players that "highly reckless actions will have severe consequences."

Roberts contacted Mateta at 18:56 on the day of the game after being given his mobile number with the striker replying a few hours later.

He told the commission: "I have made a mistake, in a fraction of a second, with terrible consequences for Mr Mateta, which I deeply regret."

He added: "I was instantly devastated by the incident. I could see that Mateta was injured and receiving treatment... my immediate concern was for him.

"Although I don't accept that the standard punishment is insufficient, I accept that the challenge was reckless and that the sending off was justified. Again, I am very sorry."

The former Walsall and Middlesbrough goalkeeper has come off social media after receiving abuse following the challenge in the fifth-round match earlier this month and said his wife has also been targeted.

He told the commission the abuse and knowledge he hurt another professional has "had a real impact on my mental wellbeing".