Goalkeeper's dangerous attack, Premier League star needs 25 stitches

During the match between Crystal Palace and Millwall in the FA Cup (England) on the evening of March 1, player Jean-Philippe Mateta had to leave the field early and go straight to the emergency room after a terrible collision. The French striker received 25 stitches in his left ear.

"All scans are fine. Mateta is well and will rest and recover over the next few days as doctors monitor his progress.",Mateta's parent club Crystal Palace announced this morning, March 2.

The 1997-born player collapsed to the ground after colliding with Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts. While running to clear the ball, Roberts jumped up with one leg raised high.

The Millwall goalkeeper hit the ball, but his foot followed the momentum and hit the opponent's head. As he fell, Roberts' body also landed on his opponent's head.

The collision left Mateta lying motionless on the pitch. The medical team had to carry the French player off on a stretcher, after immobilizing his neck. The Crystal Palace striker was admitted to hospital in a conscious state.

Coach Oliver Glasner said: "To be honest, I don't want to watch that play again. I believe the Millwall goalkeeper did not intentionally injure Mateta. However, clearing the ball with such intensity, with such a high leg, is not allowed. It's too dangerous."

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish called it the worst foul he had ever seen, and said Mateta could have been in danger of losing his life after being hit like that.