The FA have submitted a claim to extend Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts’ suspension, it has been confirmed.
The Lions goalie was dismissed following VAR intervention following his challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta during the last 16 of the FA Cup. The 30-year-old kicked the Frenchman in the head, which required Mateta to be transported to hospital as a result.
FA Submit Appeal
The Football Association had until Tuesday to submit a claim to extend Roberts’ current three-game suspension for a straight red card. It has since been confirmed that they will try to increase the suspension in a statement, which read:
“The FA has submitted a claim seeking to increase Liam Roberts’ sanction following his sending off in the FA Cup tie between Millwall and Crystal Palace on Saturday, 1 March. The FA claims that in the circumstances the standard punishment for this offence is clearly insufficient. Liam Roberts has until Thursday, 6 March to provide a response.”
The news comes after Millwall opted to recall goalkeeper Dillon Addai, brother of Stockport County goalkeeper Corey, from his loan spell at Chesham United to deputise for Lukas Jensen. Alex Neil’s side face Watford in their next match this weekend before facing Leeds United and Stoke City before the March international break.
Writer’s View
It did seem inevitable that the FA would push for further sanctions on Liam Roberts based on the severity of the challenge. He did have honest intentions to get the ball during the incident but it is a matter of endangering his opponent which has seen the FA come down hard on him. It will be some solace for Roberts that he has the full backing of the Millwall fans, as seen last night at The Den, but ultimately it is likely he will be out for a much longer period than his initial three-game suspension.
