Millwall has barred the Daily Mail from attending its matches and press conferences after the newspaper reported on offensive chants from their supporters.
During an FA Cup match against Crystal Palace, sections of Millwall’s away fans were heard shouting “let him die” as Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta lay injured on the pitch, receiving oxygen from paramedics.
The incident, widely condemned, unfolded at Selhurst Park following a high-impact collision with Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
The Incident: Mateta’s Injury Sparks Outrage
Mateta suffered a serious head injury that required 25 stitches after Roberts charged into him in what many described as a ‘karate kick’ challenge.
The reckless nature of the tackle led Palace chairman Steve Parish to criticize Roberts, stating that the challenge put Mateta’s life in danger.
The Daily Mail‘s coverage highlighted both Roberts’ actions and the behavior of Millwall fans, sparking backlash from the club.
FA’s Investigation and Roberts’ Apology
While the Football Association (FA) cannot take action regarding the chants directed at Mateta, they are investigating allegations of homophobic abuse from Millwall fans aimed at Palace’s on-loan defender Ben Chilwell.
Additionally, the FA has until Tuesday at 1 pm to challenge Roberts’ three-game suspension if they believe the punishment is too lenient.
Roberts personally apologized to Mateta on Saturday evening, though he has not spoken publicly about the incident.
The Daily Mail’s Ban and Millwall’s Response
The Daily Mail learned of their ban after requesting to speak with Roberts.
The club took issue with the newspaper’s reporting, particularly allegations that it failed to adequately highlight Palace fans’ own use of the “let him die” chant when Millwall’s Camiel Neghli later turned his ankle.
The Daily Mail had acknowledged this in its coverage, stating that two wrongs do not make a right while calling out the original chants as “boorish” and “beastly.”
Interestingly, other news outlets that covered the match and mentioned the chants in their reports have not faced similar bans.
This raises questions about whether Millwall’s actions were aimed specifically at the Daily Mail or if they are attempting to control the narrative surrounding the controversy.
Millwall Defends Their Goalkeeper
Millwall strongly defended Roberts in a statement on Monday, condemning the criticism and online abuse directed at him.
The club expressed outrage at what they called a “character assassination” fueled by certain media outlets and sports figures who suggested Roberts intended to harm Mateta.
“No player at Millwall Football Club steps on to the pitch with the intent to harm another,” the statement read, emphasizing Roberts’ immediate apology to Mateta, which was accepted.
The club also wished Mateta a speedy recovery while standing firmly behind their goalkeeper.
What’s Next?
With the FA’s investigation ongoing and the potential for further action against Roberts, the fallout from this controversial match is far from over.
Millwall’s decision to ban the Daily Mail raises concerns about press freedom and accountability, while the club continues to navigate the backlash over its supporters’ behavior.
How the FA and football authorities respond in the coming days will likely determine the broader implications of this heated clash both on and off the pitch.