Jean-Philippe Mateta was rushed to hospital after a shocking challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
The Crystal Palace striker took a boot to the head in a moment of madness from Roberts during the fifth-round FA Cup clash.
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Roberts was sent off for serious foul play after a shocking challengeCredit: Getty
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Play was halted for eight minutes amid concerns over MatetaCredit: Getty
Mateta was rushing onto a through ball and Roberts travelled outside his box to clear with his foot.
The goalkeeper collided with the striker’s head at speed and was eventually shown a red card after referee Michael Oliver reviewed the incident at the pitchside VAR monitor.
Nine medics arrived on the scene to treat Mateta – who was laid out on the turf for eight minutes.
The Frenchman was then lifted onto a stretcher while being administered oxygen – and immediately taken to hospital from a pitchside ambulance.
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Palace tweeted: “Mateta is stretchered off following that terrible challenge.
“We are right behind you, JP.”
Reacting on commentary, ex-Chelsea defender Scott Minto said: “That is reckless. It’s not even chest or shoulder. He’s followed through and caught him on his head.
“That’s a really dangerous challenge. It’s dangerous, it’s reckless, it’s a red card. Go with your head.”
He added: “It’s a horrible tackle. I could believe him if he said there was no malice. But it doesn’t matter.
“The way he’s caught him – that’s horrible. Mateta will do well to get up from that.”
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There was a lengthy stoppage before Mateta could be put on a stretcherCredit: Getty
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Medics were seen calling for an ambulance to be brought pitchsideCredit: Getty
Mateta has been a superstar for Oliver Glasner’s side this season, scoring 12 goals in 27 Premier League matches.
No top-flight player has scored more goals than the 27-year-old in 2025 – with eight since the turn of the year.
In the last 12 months, only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has contributed to more goals in the Premier League than Mateta.
Analysing the striker on the talkSPORT Weekend Breakfast show, ex-Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino tipped Mateta for a big summer transfer.
Cascarino said: “Palace are going to have a job keeping hold of him. Because when we look at strikers sometimes and we go, ‘Does he tick the box for a certain club?’
“Well, I’ll tell you what, there’ll be a lot of clubs who would be looking at him.
“I watched him when he played at Le Havre. I watched him as a very young player. And then he ended up going to Germany, Mainz and all that. And then he’s made his way to England, where he struggled originally. But he’s become a way more complete player.
“He uses his strength. Technically he’s got better as well. His relationship with all the players he’s playing with has really worked for him.
“And now it feels like he’s an absolute nailed on certainty within their team. He’s one of their main players now.”
