Saturday’s early FA Cup clash between Millwall and Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park had barely kicked off when tensions flared.
In the opening minutes, Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts made a reckless decision that led to a horrific challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Mateta, who was running to meet a ball over the top, found himself on the receiving end of a high kick from Roberts that landed squarely on his head.
The impact was so severe that Mateta had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
A Dark Moment for Football Fans
As Mateta was taken off the field, something even darker unfolded.
Millwall fans, with little regard for the situation, started chanting a disturbing and vile song: “Let him die, let him die, let him die.”
The chant was heard loud and clear, not only at the stadium but also across TV broadcasts, drawing the ire of many.
BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce was quick to call out the behavior, stating, “Millwall fans are not endearing themselves to anyone with their chanting about Mateta.”
The Football Association later confirmed to Mail Sport that while such chanting is offensive, it doesn’t breach their rules — unlike the “Chelsea rent boy” chants directed at Ben Chilwell, which are under investigation.
Palace Chairman’s Harsh Words for Roberts
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish did not mince his words when addressing Roberts’ dangerous challenge.
He called it one of the worst he had ever seen and suggested that Roberts needed to reflect deeply on his actions.
“He’s endangering a fellow professional, and maybe even his life,” Parish said, expressing the severity of the situation.
Tensions Rise Between the Rival Clubs
The animosity between the two clubs, separated by just six miles, added fuel to the fire.
As you drove past Selhurst Park on match day, the sight of police vans and riot officers signaled the potential for trouble.
A game that started with excitement quickly turned into one filled with tension after the early injury to Mateta.
A Controversial Red Card and VAR Intervention
The incident occurred just five minutes into the match when Roberts sprinted out of his box, seemingly intent on winning the ball.
However, his follow-through saw him boot Mateta in the head, causing a clear injury.
Referee Michael Oliver missed the foul in real time, but thanks to VAR, Roberts was quickly sent off after a review.
The incident reminded many of Eric Cantona’s infamous kung-fu kick at the same stadium back in 1995.
Palace Takes Control With Two Quick Goals
After a lengthy delay for medical treatment, play resumed.
Within minutes, Eddie Nketiah had put Palace ahead, but his goal was ruled out for a handball.
Palace, now with an extra man on the field, continued to push for a breakthrough.
In the 33rd minute, a cross from Will Hughes saw Millwall’s Japhet Tanganga accidentally head the ball into his own net, giving Palace the lead.
Just before halftime, Daniel Munoz doubled the advantage, capitalizing on a rebound after a failed clearance from Millwall’s Billy Mitchell.
The goal was initially disallowed for offside but was later confirmed as legal after further review.
Millwall Fights Back But Palace Holds Strong
Despite Palace’s dominance, Millwall showed some resilience.
In the 52nd minute, Wes Harding managed to score for Millwall, deflecting the ball through a crowd of players, including Palace’s goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The goal offered hope for a Millwall comeback, but Palace continued to control the game.
Nketiah Seals the Victory for Palace
As the match drew to a close, Nketiah’s header in the 82nd minute sealed the deal for Palace, sending them through to the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The header looped over Millwall’s substitute goalkeeper Lukas Jensen and nestled into the post, ensuring a 3-1 victory.
Romain Esse’s Heartfelt Gesture
After the final whistle, Romain Esse, a January signing from Millwall, made a gesture that was hard to miss.
The young player walked over to Millwall’s supporters to applaud them, before turning to thank Palace’s fans with a touch of the badge on his chest.
The moment was marked by the sounds of “Boom Boom Boom Boom” by the Vengaboys, a favorite among Palace fans.
The Aftermath of the Controversy
While Crystal Palace celebrated their FA Cup victory, the day was overshadowed by Roberts’ reckless challenge and the deplorable chanting that followed.
As the dust settled on this highly charged encounter, it was clear that football had been left grappling with a dark side of the sport, far removed from the beautiful game fans love.