Jean-Philippe Mateta Leaves Hospital After Serious Injury

Footballer Jean-Philippe Mateta has been discharged from the hospital, according to his club, Crystal Palace. The former Mainz player required 25 stitches to close a laceration on his left ear.

The injury occurred shortly after the start of the FA Cup round of 16 match against Millwall when Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts accidentally struck Mateta in the head with the studs of his left boot during a failed attempt to clear the ball.

All medical examinations returned normal results, and Mateta is reportedly feeling well. He is expected to recuperate in the coming days. „I am doing well. I hope to be back very soon, stronger than ever,“ the 27-year-old stated on Instagram.

Controversy Surrounding the Incident

The foul committed by Roberts triggered significant backlash. Steve Parish, the chairman of Crystal Palace, described it as „the most reckless attack on a football pitch I have ever seen.“ Following the 3-1 victory that secured their place in the quarter-finals, coach Oliver Glasner struggled to focus on the match, noting, „His ear looks terrible. It is a very serious injury.“

Mateta initially lay on the pitch and required oxygen support through a mask. After several minutes, he was carried off on a stretcher and taken to the hospital. In the Premier League, he is currently the top scorer for Crystal Palace, with twelve goals this season.

Millwall’s coach, Alex Neil, commented that Roberts misjudged the situation and did not foul Mateta intentionally. The 30-year-old goalkeeper received a red card from referee Michael Oliver after the video assistant referee reviewed the incident; prior to that, Oliver had not even issued a yellow card.