Jean-Philippe Mateta was stretchered off after a shocking incident that saw his head kicked by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
Crystal Palace are hosting Millwall in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon in a feisty south London derby.
Roberts was sent off for the challenge following a VAR check, which happened in the eighth minute, after he came flying out of his goal to try and kick the ball away.
But with Mateta charging the ball down, the goalkeeper completely missed the ball and booted the Frenchman in the head in a shocking challenge.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was forced off after being kicked in the head
Reuters
Mateta was left unconscious on the floor and required immediate medical attention with the player down for several minutes.
Eventually, he was stretchered off and appeared to require oxygen.
Eddie Nketiah came on in his place while it remains unclear what condition Mateta is in.
Speaking on BBC where the game is being broadcast, former West Ham defender Matt Upson said: “Wow. That was a big decision from Liam Roberts.
“Jean-Philippe Mateta gets clattered. He doesn’t anticipate the keeper coming to win this ball.”
Mateta has been in fine form for Palace this season and is their top scorer with 15 in all competitions.
The Eagles will be hoping for a swift recovery from their talismanic striker, though the club have yet to give an update on his condition.
While no official word from the club has been received yet, they did post a message at the time of the incident on their X page.
The post read: “Mateta is stretchered off following that terrible challenge.
“We are right behind you, JP.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta required serious medical attention after the incident
Reuters
Mateta’s replacement, Nketiah, put the ball in the net moments after coming on but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Palace did go on to take the lead soon after, with former Tottenham star Japhet Tanganga scoring an own goal.
A cross from Will Hughes was inadvertently diverted into the Millwall net by the 25-year-old.
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Jean-Philippe Mateta was stretchered off in concerning scenes
Reuters
Daniel Munoz then doubled the lead just minutes later as Palace made the most of their numerical advantage.
Millwall star Luke Cundle was sacrificed after Roberts’ sending off, with back-up goalkeeper Lukas Jensen coming on in his place.
This is the first time that the two London clubs have faced each other since an FA Cup third-round meeting in 2022.