Crystal Palace striker Gian Philippe Mateta says he wants to play for Sky Sports News after suffering a horrific ear injury against Millwall in the FA Cup.
After a horror challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts, Mateta needed 25 stitches. Liam Roberts saw him stretch at Selhurst Park in his FA Cup five round tie last month.
Roberts extended the six-game ban from the Football Association for high boots at Mateta, who was rushed to hospital by ambulance after being bloody on the challenge with an injury around his ear.
Image: Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was handed a six-match ban on his challenge at Mateta
However, Mateta, unaware of the severity of the wounds he had suffered, appealed to the palace doctors to help him return to his actions.
On TV with Sky Sports News chief reposer Kaveh Solhekol, Mateta said: “When he kicked me, I was waiting for him to get the red card.
“I was arguing with the doctor for 30 seconds, and they said they wanted to play. The doctor saw the injury but couldn’t see it.
“I couldn’t feel the pain. It’s blood, certainly. But I thought it had been cut off a bit. [dangling]. But it wasn’t painful. ”
Image: Mateta needed 25 stitches in his left ear following Roberts’ challenge
He added:
“Liam contacted me and texted me while I was in the hospital. I told him, ‘It’s football.’ He apologised. He was worried. ”
Roberts’ abuse “crazy”
Image: Mateta says Roberts contacted him via text after the incident
Despite the horrifying nature of the incident in the South London Derby, Mateta does not believe that Roberts is malicious in the challenge.
“I don’t think he wanted to wake up and cut JP’s head,” he said. “There is a lot of pressure, he wanted to do good things.
The Palace forward also commented on the abuse Roberts received throughout social media, and Millwall issued a statement in support of the players in the aftermath of his injuries.
“It’s crazy, but I know that fans will respond on social media,” he said. “I didn’t send them to do this.”
Mateta wears a face mask when he returns to action
Image: Mateta hopes to come back for a match against Fulham
The French missed a 1-0 Premier League home victory over Ipswich on March 8 – the final match before the international break – but he has already returned to individual training before targeting a match against Fulham in the FA Cup quarterfinals on March 29.
When asked about his recovery and the time frame for his return, Mateta added: [not with the squad]. ”
When asked to respond on his return date, he continued: “I don’t know. I’m still in touch with the experts and doctors.
“Hopefully I can play [vs Fulham]. Hopefully they can see me. I’m on the ground every day. ”
Mateta also confirmed that he would wear a protective mask when he returned to the field while the stitches continued to heal completely.
“I need to wear a mask, I need to wear something,” he said. “I’ll take the best thing that’s most comfortable.”
