Piers Morgan, renowned English presenter, has harshly criticized Millwall’s goalkeeper Liam Roberts for a reckless tackle on Crystal Palace’s French forward, Jean-Philippe Mateta, during an FA Cup match.
The incident, which Morgan described as the worst he has ever seen in football, occurred in the 8th minute of the match. As Mateta was chasing a pass from a teammate, Roberts charged out of his goal and collided with him. The dangerous tackle left Mateta with a severe injury and resulted in Roberts receiving a straight red card. Mateta had to be stretchered off the field and is currently hospitalized, awaiting ear surgery.
Reacting on social media, Morgan wrote: “Worst ‘tackle’ I’ve ever seen in football. Absolutely shameful assault on Jean-Philippe Mateta by Millwall’s goalkeeper Liam Roberts. He was sent off, but if he did that to someone in the street he’d be jailed.”
Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish also expressed his outrage, condemning Roberts’ tackle and stating that it could have been fatal. Despite the absence of their key player, Crystal Palace managed to secure a 3-1 victory and advance to the quarterfinals of the competition.