Millwall condemn ‘abhorrent’ abuse of Liam Roberts following red card

Millwall have condemned the “abhorrent” social media abuse directed at goalkeeper Liam Roberts following his sending-off in Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.

Roberts was dismissed in the eighth minute at Selhurst Park for kicking Jean-Philippe Mateta in the head, resulting in the Eagles striker requiring 25 stitches.

Palace chairman Steve Parish described Roberts’ challenge as the “most reckless” he has seen, while television and media personality Piers Morgan called the incident “shameful”.

Meanwhile the Football Association is expected to consider whether Roberts’ red card reached the “clearly insufficient” threshold that could result in a longer ban.

Millwall said in a strongly worded statement: “The club are disgusted by abuse directed towards goalkeeper Liam Roberts following Saturday’s unfortunate collision with Jean-Philippe Mateta.

“The reporting on the matter, as well as disgraceful suggestions made by certain news organisations and high-profile figures within the sport that Liam intended to harm Jean-Philippe, has contributed to the unwarranted character assassination of Liam and fuelled abhorrent online abuse towards him.

“No player at Millwall Football Club steps onto the pitch with the intent to harm another, and the club will continue to support Liam, who reached out to Jean-Philippe personally on Saturday evening with an apology which was accepted immediately.”

“The club are pleased to hear positive updates from Jean-Philippe and wish him the best in his recovery.”