Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts handed increased six-game ban for "reckless" Jean-Phillipe Mateta challenge

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The FA have seen their claim to increase Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts' three-match ban to six upheld by an independent panel. The 'keeper will spend six games on the sidelines following his high boot on Crystal Palace's Jean-Phillipe Mateta, which saw Roberts handed a red card in their FA Cup tie. Millwall said whilst they are disappointed with the outcome, they respect the process.

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Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has seen his ban increased to six matches for his challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta last weekend.

Roberts was shown a red card during Millwall's FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace for a high boot on Mateta, which caused the striker to have 25 stitches for a laceration in his left ear.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish labelled the challenge as the "most reckless" he'd ever seen.

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Following an appeal by the Football Association (FA), Roberts will be handed a six-game ban.

In a statement on their website, the FA said the standard three-match ban was "clearly insufficient" and an independent regulatory panel has upheld the FA's claim to increase it.

"Following a hearing, the Regulatory Commission upheld The FA’s claim, set aside the standard three-match punishment, and instead imposed a six-match ban," they said in a statement.

Millwall said whilst they are disappointed with the outcome, the club "respects the process that has been undertaken."

Roberts added that he is "devastated" by the situation and said that he reached out "immediately" to Mateta to apologise.

"I am devastated by what happened. I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment," the Lions goalkeeper said.

"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.

"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."

The FA added that the panel's written reasons for increasing the ban will be published in due course.

The FA said the regulatory panel's written reasons for increasing the ban to six matches would be published in due course.

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