Millwall Supporters Chant Disturbing Songs About Injured Palace Striker Mateta
Millwall fans were heard singing two new chants about Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta during their Championship match against Watford on Saturday, making disturbing references to the player’s recent injury that required 25 stitches.
On March 1, during Millwall’s 3-1 FA Cup fifth round defeat to Crystal Palace, goalkeeper Liam Roberts received a straight red card after a dangerous challenge that left Mateta seriously injured. The Palace forward was kicked in the head, suffering a severe laceration to his left ear that required emergency medical treatment and hospitalization.
While Mateta was receiving medical attention on the pitch, including oxygen, some Millwall supporters were heard chanting “let him die” toward the injured player. The incident has escalated with new chants being sung at Millwall’s latest match against Watford.
According to the Daily Mail and clearly audible on Sky Sports coverage, Millwall fans could be heard singing:
- “Que sera sera whatever will be will be, Mateta’s in A & E”
- “25 stitches, it should have been more”
These chants follow a pattern of controversial behavior from some Millwall supporters. Just three days after the initial incident, a section of Millwall fans held a minute’s applause for their suspended goalkeeper during their 2-0 defeat to Bristol City on March 4.
Extended Ban and Official Responses to the Incident
The Football Association (FA) has since extended Roberts’ suspension to six games, stating that the standard three-match punishment was “clearly insufficient” for the severity of the challenge. Roberts disputed this assessment but will serve the extended ban.
Following the incident, Mateta released a brief statement saying: “I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon and stronger than ever. Well done, guys for the great job today.”
Roberts has also addressed the situation with his own statement:
“As the dust settles, I want to address what has been a really difficult week for all concerned, including my family and I. Firstly, to Jean-Philippe, who I continue to send my best wishes to in his recovery. As soon as I could, I reached out to Jean-Philippe personally to apologise, and I was thankful to hear back from him that evening that he was OK and reassured me not to worry.”
The goalkeeper strongly denied any intentional attempt to harm Mateta, stating: “I have categorically never stepped onto a football pitch with the intention of hurting anyone.” Roberts also mentioned receiving “an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats” toward himself and his family following the incident.
The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about spectator behavior in English football, with football authorities likely to investigate the latest chants directed at an injured player.
If you’ve witnessed abusive behavior at football matches or online, report it to the relevant club or the Football Association. Let’s work together to eliminate harmful conduct from our beautiful game and create a respectful environment for all players and fans.