Roberts ban for Mateta challenge increased to six games

Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has had his three-match ban for a dangerous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta extended to six games.

The 30-year-old was sent off eight minutes into his side's 3-1 FA Cup fifth round defeat at Selhurst Park after kicking Mateta in the head as he tried to clear the ball.

Palace's French striker was given oxygen before being taken to an ambulance and needed 25 stitches for a severe laceration to his left ear.

The clash initially went unpunished by referee Michael Oliver - it was only after a VAR intervention that Roberts was sent off.

Roberts' red card meant he automatically received a three-game ban, but the Football Association said the punishment was "clearly insufficient" and submitted a claim to a regulatory commission to increase it.

The ban means Roberts will not be able to play again until Saturday 8 April when Millwall travel to Sheffield United in the Championship.

Roberts faced criticism after the incident with Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parrish telling BBC Sport it was the "most reckless challenge I've ever seen" while Eagles boss Oliver Glasner described it as a "terrible foul".

Millwall head coach Alex Neill defended his player after the game saying his challenge was not deliberate.

The goalkeeper suffered what Millwall described as '"disgusting" online abuse after the incident, and in a statement Roberts said he was "devastated by what happened".

"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," Roberts said.

"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."