Jean-Philippe Mateta's response to Millwall keeper's post-match message on horror tackle

Jean-Philippe Mateta has no hard feelings towards Liam Roberts after the Millwall goalkeeper made contact with him following his horror kung-fu kick in their FA Cup clash.

Crystal Palace star Mateta was left needing 25 stitches after suffering a "severe laceration" to his left ear, but he is hoping to return in time for Palace's FA Cup quarter-final. Roberts got in contact with Mateta on Saturday night.

It is understood the Frenchman had no ill feeling towards the Millwall keeper and they wished each other well. Mateta is now set to Palace's game against Ipswich on Saturday, but could be ready to return after the international break when they face Fulham in the FA Cup.

Palace beat Millwall 3-1 after Mateta and manager Oliver Glasner told BBC Sport after the game: "He is conscious and he is in hospital. His ear looks terrible. It's a very serious injury so we hope all the best for him.

"We are not really happy. We can't be really happy. Of course it's a great win and we are into the quarter-finals, but when you lose a player, especially with a foul like this, you have two different feelings in your stomach."

"Honestly, I didn't want to see it. I just watched it and it's terrible. I'm sure the goalkeeper didn't want to injure JP in this situation, no player wants this. But if you get to the ball with this intensity, with the foot at this height, you cannot do that. It's so dangerous and we all have responsibilities for our health.

"I don't want to blame him [Roberts], but it is a terrible foul. I didn't see it in the game, it was so quick. I could see the goalkeeper had a lot of intensity, but he touched the ball first. I have seen it now in slow motion, and it is worse.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

"The players did well until the 55th minute in the first half. We controlled the game, the lead was 2-0, we unnecessarily gave them the ball before half-time and then all of a sudden it was 2-1. They got their belief back.

"The second half wasn't the best half, we didn't create a lot of chances but Eddie [Nketiah] decided the game. It was an amazing header. It is tough to talk about game because I have this clip [of the challenge on Mateta] in my mind.

"We are going to quarter-finals in the FA Cup, a great achievement. Fingers crossed and hoping all the best for JP."

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