Crystal Palace striker Mateta received oxygen on the ground. © APA/AFP / GLYN KIRK

25 stitches after brutal foul: Professional released from hospital

According to his English club Crystal Palace, the brutally fouled football professional Jean-Philippe Mateta has been able to leave the hospital. The former Mainz player had previously required 25 stitches for a laceration on his left ear.

March 02, 2025

From: dpa

Mateta sustained the injury shortly after the start of the FA Cup round of 16 match against Millwall FC. Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts hit him on the side of the head with the studs of his left shoe during a failed save attempt.

All test results were OK, Mateta is feeling well and will recover in the coming days, it was said. "I'm fine. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever," the 27-year-old wrote on Instagram.

"Most reckless attack on a football pitch"

Roberts' foul provoked strong reactions. "It was the most reckless attack on a football pitch that I have ever seen," said Palace chairman Steve Parish. Coach Oliver Glasner found it difficult to talk about the game after the 3-1 win and entry into the quarter-finals. "His ear looks terrible.

The Crystal Palace striker had to have 25 stitches. © APA/afp / GLYN KIRK

It is a very serious injury,” said the former Bundesliga coach.
Mateta initially remained lying down and had to be given oxygen via a mask. After several minutes he was taken off the pitch on a stretcher and taken to hospital. In the Premier League, the striker is Crystal Palace's top scorer with twelve goals this season.

Millwall coach Alex Neil said Roberts misjudged the situation and did not intentionally foul Mateta. The 30-year-old goalkeeper was only shown a red card by referee Michael Oliver after video evidence was used. Oliver had not even shown a yellow card before that.