Crystal Palace star Mateta rushed to hospital and given oxygen in worrying scenes after horror kung-fu kick challenge

3 hours ago 36

JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA was rushed to hospital while receiving oxygen after a shocking kung-fu kick from Millwall’s goalkeeper who saw red.

Just six minutes were on the clock in the FA Cup fifth-round clash when the Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes played a superb long pass up the field.

Liam Roberts was sent off for his awful challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta[/caption]

The goalkeeper came flying out of his penalty area to clear the ball[/caption]

A soccer goalie fouls a player, resulting in a red card.

His left boot caught Mateta in the head[/caption]

Jean-Philippe Mateta receiving medical attention on the field after an injury.

Play was delayed by approximately ten minutes[/caption]

Mateta and Millwall centre-back Jake Cooper tussled for the bouncing ball.

But Lions goalkeeper Roberts came rushing out of his box.

The 30-year-old did appear to win a part of the ball.

But he then clattered into Mateta’s head with his stray boot.

Ref Michael Oliver initially allowed play to continue with Palace still on the attack but once the shot was headed away, he stopped the game.

And after initially allowing Roberts to stay on the field, Oliver was sent to the pitchside VAR monitor to watch a replay.

He decided to overturn his decision and announced the sending off over the in-stadium tannoy before brandishing the red card.

Mateta stayed down for several minutes as he was treated by the medics on the pitch.

After nearly ten minutes on the ground, he was carried off on a stretcher to the corner of the ground where an ambulance was waiting to take him to hospital.

The French striker received oxygen as he was taken away.

Eddie Nketiah came on in his place in a concussion substitute – meaning Palace still had their five remaining subs.

Millwall also were forced into a tactical change as Lions No1 Lukas Jensen came on between the sticks – with Luke Cundle sacrificed by Alex Neil.

Messages of supported flooded in for Mateta as the seriousness of the situation unfolded.

One said: “So horrible to see. Get well soon Big Man.”

Another wrote: “Wishing Jean-Philippe Mateta a quick recovery after the injury.”

A third added: “Prayers for Mateta.”

And a fourth typed: “Absolutely disgusting challenge. I hope Mateta is ok.”

Palace chairman Steve Parish was shown on the TV cameras looking distressed and shaking his head in concern.

The BBC commentator also condemned the visiting Millwall fans who sickeningly chanted “let him die” as Mateta received treatment.

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