Audio By Carbonatix
The Football Association wants the three-match ban given to Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts for a dangerous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to be extended.
Roberts was sent off in the eighth minute of Millwall's FA Cup fifth-round defeat at Selhurst Park on Saturday for a high challenge which left Mateta needing 25 stitches around his left ear.
The FA said the standard three-game ban for serious foul play is "clearly insufficient" and has submitted a claim to a regulatory commission to increase it.
BBC Sport has been told that Millwall will contest the claim. They have until Tuesday to respond to the FA.
The club said in a statement that they will "continue to support" Roberts after the "horrendous online abuse" he has received.
If the FA's claim is successful, the commission will determine a new punishment. If the claim is dismissed, the three-game ban will remain in place.
In 2023 Fulham striker Aleksander Mitrovic had a three-game ban increased to eight following an FA claim, after he pushed referee Chris Kavanagh during an FA Cup defeat by Manchester United.
In 2013, an FA appeal to extend Chelsea forward Hazard's three-match ban was dismissed. He was sent off for kicking a 17-year-old ball boy during a League Cup defeat by Swansea.
On Saturday Palace chairman Steve Parish described Roberts' challenge as "the most reckless I've ever seen" and that he "endangered a fellow professional and maybe his life".
On Monday Millwall said reporting of the incident "contributed to an unwarranted character assassination" of Roberts.
Millwall said he contacted Mateta after the match "with an apology which was accepted immediately".
Roberts served the first game of his ban as Millwall lost 2-0 to Bristol City in the Championship on Tuesday.
Millwall supporters showed their support by holding a minute's applause after eight minutes and singing "there's only one Liam Roberts". There were also some boos.
Michael Oliver, who refereed the game, will not be involved in a Premier League match this weekend.
He sent Roberts off after intervention from the video assistant referee (VAR).
Latest Stories
-
NPP must aim for decisive 2028 parliamentary Majority — Minority Leader
9 minutes -
Ghana not afraid of Germany like a few years ago – Kurt Okraku
14 minutes -
UNESCO-Ghana, Manhyia Palace Museum seal partnership as 2026 Otumfuo Art Awards launched
39 minutes -
Ibrahim Mahama faces Police board as assault probe continues
47 minutes -
UK–Ghana study tour strengthens partnership on roads and future transport systemsÂ
48 minutes -
Renting out your Accra apartment: Should you short-let or long-let in 2026?
59 minutes -
Government communication alone won’t fix tomato shortage – Dr Charles Nyaaba
1 hour -
Ghanaian community in Switzerland champions inclusive governance at Diaspora Dialogue Series
1 hour -
UN slavery resolution isn’t binding, but revives calls for reparations – Prof Appiagyei-Atua
1 hour -
Ablakwa expresses deep gratitude to UN member states for backing Ghana’s slavery resolution
2 hours -
Gender Minister engages management, introduces new Chief Director at MoGCSP
2 hours -
Last Gallop: The rise, fall and fight for Horse Racing in Ghana
2 hours -
Communications Minister launches Ghana Climate Atlas to strengthen planning and climate resilience
2 hours -
Maintain credibility, reduce commentary — NDC elections director advises Mussa Dankwah
2 hours -
NDPC urges time discipline and stronger systems to accelerate Ghana’s development
2 hours
