BBC commentator condemns Millwall fans’ vile chants as stricken Mateta is stretchered off and given oxygen
BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce condemned Milwall fans’ vile chant aimed at Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Mateta was stretchered off the pitch needing oxygen after colliding with keeper Liam Roberts – who was sent off.
Travelling fans at Selhurt Park could be heard singing “Let Him Die” -which Pearce condemned on air.
He said: “Millwall fans are not endearing themselves to anyone with their chant about Mateta. The club could be revisited about that.”
According to the Daily Mail, the FA are to investigate “Chelsea rent boys” chants aimed at Ben Chilwell – on loan to Palace from the Blues.
But “let him die” aimed at Mateta will not as “does not breach regulations.”
Just six minutes were on the clock in the FA Cup fifth-round clash when the Palace’s Will Hughes played a superb long pass up the field.
Mateta and Millwall centre-back Jake Cooper tussled for the bouncing ball – but Lions stopper Roberts came rushing out of his box.
The 30-year-old did appear to win a part of the ball but he then clattered into Mateta’s head with his stray boot.
Referee Michael Oliver initially allowed play to continue with Palace still on the attack but once the shot was headed away, he stopped the game.
And after initially allowing Roberts to stay on the field, Oliver was sent to the pitchside VAR monitor to watch a replay.
He decided to overturn his decision and announced the sending off over the in-stadium tannoy before brandishing the red card.
Mateta stayed down for several minutes as he was treated by the medics on the pitch.
After nearly ten minutes on the ground, he was carried off on a stretcher to the corner of the ground where an ambulance was waiting to take him to hospital.
The French striker received oxygen as he was taken away.
Eddie Nketiah came on in his place in a concussion substitute – meaning Palace still had their five remaining subs.
Millwall also were forced into a tactical change as Lions No1 Lukas Jensen came on between the sticks – with Luke Cundle sacrificed by Alex Neil.
A Japhet Tanganga own goal and Daniel Munoz strike gave Palace the lead before Wes Harding pulled one back in the 14TH MINUTE of added time.
Eddie Nketiah made it 3-1 meanwhile Eagles owner Steve Parish slammed Milwall keeper Roberts for “endangering” Mateta’s life.