Watch: Millwall goalkeeper's high boot leaves Jean-Philippe Mateta unconscious, with 25 stitches in FA Cup

NEW DELHI: Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was involved in a reckless incident during Saturday's FA Cup match against Crystal Palace. Just eight minutes into the game, Roberts rushed out of his penalty area to clear a long ball, but his high left-footed follow-through struck Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta in the side of the face.
Mateta, going unconscious immediately, sustained a serious injury and required lengthy medical attention on the field. He was fitted with a neck brace and carried off on a stretcher toward an ambulance.
Palace said later on Saturday that Mateta had been discharged from hospital.
Watch:

Philippe-Mateta later said he is doing well and hopes to be back soon. "Thank you for all your kind messages. I'm doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever. Well done guys for a great job today," Mateta posted on Instagram.
The club confirmed he received 25 stitches. "He received specialist treatment and 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his left ear. All scans were clear and JP is feeling well," the club said.
"He will now rest and recuperate over the following days where his progress will be monitored by our club doctor."
According to Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, Mateta suffered a severe gash behind his ear and a head injury, necessitating a hospital visit. Parish expressed his disbelief at the challenge, describing it as the "most reckless challenge on a football pitch" he had ever witnessed in his time watching the sport.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner said the challenge could have ended the Frenchman's career.
"Just imagine if he hits his face straight, with his power, with the studs, it is the end of JP's career," said Glasner.
"I'm pretty sure he didn't want to injure JP in this situation, but I also think that you have to decide when you make such an impact, you just can't do it in this way."

Initially, referee Michael Oliver did not issue a card for the challenge, despite being in close proximity to the incident. However, after being advised by VAR to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor, Oliver showed Roberts a straight red card.
Mateta had scored eight goals in his previous nine games and has 15 in total for Palace this season. The 27-year-old also netted five times as France won silver at the Paris Olympics last year.
Palace made use of the man advantage for virtually the whole game to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Japhet Tanganga's own goal broke the visitors' resistance before Daniel Munoz prodded in a second.
Wes Harding pulled a goal back for the Lions, 13 minutes into first-half stoppage time added on for Mateta's treatment.
Palace were made to wait until 82 minutes to ensure progress when Eddie Nketiah's looping header found the far corner.
(with inputs from AFP)