Jean-Philippe Mateta is feeling better. The striker, who was violently fouled in the English Cup, has left hospital and is also speaking out himself.
02.03.2025, 10:11
02.03.2025, 10:12
dpa
Professional footballer Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was brutally fouled, has been discharged from hospital according to his English club Crystal Palace. The former Mainz player had previously required 25 stitches for a laceration to his left ear.
Mateta sustained the injury shortly after the start of the round of 16 FA Cup match against Millwall FC. Millwall keeper Liam Roberts hit him on the side of the head with the studs of his left boot in an unsuccessful rescue attempt.
All examination results are in order, Mateta is feeling well and will recover in the coming days, it was added. "I'm doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever," the 27-year-old wrote on Instagram.
"The most ruthless attack on a football pitch"
Roberts' foul had provoked strong reactions. "That was the most reckless tackle on a football pitch I've ever seen," said Palace chairman Steve Parish. Coach Oliver Glasner found it difficult to talk about the game after the 3-1 win and progression to the quarter-finals. "His ear looks terrible. It's a very serious injury," said the former Bundesliga coach.
Mateta was initially laid up and had to be supplied with oxygen via a mask. After several minutes, he was stretchered off the pitch and taken to hospital. The striker is Crystal Palace's top scorer in the Premier League with twelve goals so far this season.
Millwall coach Alex Neil said that Roberts had misjudged and had not fouled Mateta on purpose. The 30-year-old goalkeeper was only shown a red card by referee Michael Oliver after video evidence was used. Previously, Oliver had not even shown a yellow card.
