Millwall fans could be heard signing two new chants about Jean-Philippe Mateta – including “25 stitches, it should have been more” – during their clash against Watford on Saturday.
In the opening minutes of Millwall’s 3-1 FA Cup fifth round defeat to Crystal Palace on March 1, goalkeeper Liam Roberts was shown a straight red card following a horror challenge on Mateta.
After being kicked in the head, some Millwall fans chanted “let him die” towards Mateta as he received medical treatment which included oxygen. He was later transported to hospital, where he required 25 stitches.
Mateta himself released a statement later on, saying: “I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon and stronger than ever. Well done, guys for the great job today.”
Roberts has since been handed an extended six-game ban, with the FA confirming that the standard three-match punishment was “clearly insufficient, and Liam Roberts subsequently denied this.”
Just three days after the incident at Selhurst Park and a number of Millwall fans held a minute’s applause for their goalkeeper during a 2-0 defeat to Bristol City on March 4.
And on Saturday afternoon, some Millwall supporters could be heard signing a number of new songs during their Championship clash against Watford.
As per the Daily Mail, the chant “Que sera sera whatever will be will be, Mateta’s in A & E” was heard in the away end at Vicarage Road, as well as “25 stitches, it should have been more”.
The chants could also be heard in the background of Sky Sports’ coverage, according to the report.
Mateta required 25 stitches in his left ear after suffering a severe laceration. Image credit: Getty
On Friday afternoon, Roberts released a statement of his own to address the incident, as well as the days that followed.
“As the dust settles, I want to address what has been a really difficult week for all concerned, including my family and I,” he said.
“Firstly, to Jean-Philippe, who I continue to send my best wishes to in his recovery. As soon as I could, I reached out to Jean-Philippe personally to apologise, and I was thankful to hear back from him that evening that he was OK and reassured me not to worry.
“I am devastated by what happened. I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment. Furthermore, it has been extremely unpleasant to observe suggestions that I intended to harm a fellow professional. I have categorically never stepped onto a football pitch with the intention of hurting anyone.
“Misleading articles and comments have resulted in an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats towards my family and I. To the footballing community who know me and reached out with support through this tough time, thank you, I appreciate every single message.
“Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody connected to Millwall Football Club for their continued support. The togetherness throughout this club is unique, and I can’t wait to be back out on the pitch in front of our fans. Be kind. Take care, Robbo.”
