BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce has condemned Millwall fans for chanting “let him die” after Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was kicked in the face during an FA Cup fifth round match.
The shocking incident occurred in the opening minutes when Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts booted Mateta in the head.
The Palace forward was left requiring urgent medical attention on the pitch following the collision.
Roberts’ challenge was deemed serious foul play, resulting in immediate controversy at Selhurst Park.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was forced off on a stretcher after the incident
Reuters
Following a VAR review, referee Michael Oliver showed Roberts a straight red card, reducing Millwall to 10 men.
Mateta remained stricken on the floor as medical staff attended to him.
The Palace striker was eventually stretchered off the field after the nasty collision.
The incident happened early in the match, dramatically changing the complexion of the FA Cup tie.
Palace posted on X: “Mateta is stretchered off following that terrible challenge. We are right behind you, JP.”
JUST IN: Jean-Philippe Mateta suffers horrific injury after Millwall star kicks him in the head
During the lengthy break in play, Millwall’s travelling supporters could be heard chanting “let him die” towards the injured Mateta.
Pearce, who was commentating on the match for the BBC, immediately condemned the vile chants on air.
“Millwall fans are not endearing themselves with anyone with those chants about Mateta,” Pearce stated firmly during the broadcast.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was kicked in the head by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts
Reuters
The social media reaction to the chants was swift and damning.
One X user wrote: “Millwall fans singing ‘Let Him Die’ because Mateta got a flying kick to the head and can’t continue in the game. And they wonder why no one likes them.”
Another said: “Millwall fans are next level stupid. They’re booing Mateta as he’s been lead off on a stretcher.”
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
- Tyson Fury ‘leaves grand £2.5m mansion to rot’ after boxing icon was banned from knocking it down
- Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift ‘under pressure to enforce split’ as details emerge after Super Bowl
- Graeme Souness, 71, rages over ‘wokeism’ ruining football – with three players blasted for their attitude
Millwall fans chanted ‘let him die’ as Jean-Philippe Mateta was attended to by medics
Reuters
“I honestly hope Millwall get absolutely battered. Scummy little club,” added a third user.
Another commented: “Absolute scum.”
The incident overshadowed the early stages of the FA Cup fifth round tie, though Palace went on to take a two-goal lead before half-time through a Japhet Tanganga own goal and a Daniel Munoz strike.