Crystal Palace Forward Jean-Philippe Mateta Endures Severe Ear Injury Against Millwall
The FA Cup often brings drama, but few expected the kind of chaos that unfolded between Crystal Palace and Millwall. The spotlight is now squarely on Jean-Philippe Mateta, Palace's striker, who found himself battling more than just opponents on the pitch. Mateta’s ear injury, which he described vividly in the aftermath, has everyone talking about player safety and the intensity of cup fixtures.
The incident took place during the fifth-round clash. With the game hanging in the balance, Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts charged out well beyond his penalty area, going for a desperate clearance. Instead of clearing danger, Roberts’ boot connected violently with Mateta’s face. The impact? The back of Mateta’s ear was left with a deep gash requiring an eye-watering 25 stitches. One of the first people to assess him—a plastic surgeon—said the ear was barely salvaged after emergency surgery. Mateta later admitted he didn’t even realize what had happened, arguing with medical staff because he wanted to go back on and finish the match. Only when pressed did the full extent of the ear injury become clear.
A Reckless Tackle and Its Fallout
The Football Association didn’t waste time dishing out punishment. Roberts was slapped with a six-game ban, reflecting just how dangerous the tackle was. Those watching, including Palace chairman Steve Parish, called it one of the wildest, most reckless challenges seen in years.
While injuries are part of football, this one left a mark—both for its brutality and the response. Mateta’s teammates and fans were rattled, given how close he’d come to permanent damage. Yet Mateta himself stayed grounded. He’s described as being in good spirits post-surgery, keeping his focus on recovery rather than looking backward. Medical teams are monitoring his progress closely, but there’s no fixed date for his return to training or matches.
The drama around the injury overshadowed Palace’s 3-1 win. Supporters might remember Daniel Muñoz’s superb goal and Eddie Nketiah’s decisive header. But the image that’s sticking in everyone’s mind is Mateta’s fight to keep playing, bloodied but defiant—and the grim detail that only quick-thinking surgeons saved his ear.
Now, as Palace checks on their striker’s rehab and fans hope for good news, the match stands as a sharp reminder: reckless moments can change everything in an instant, and sometimes the real battle is off the pitch in a recovery room.
