‘Too much emotion makes you do crazy things’ – Mateta defends Roberts

Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been defended by Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who said that too much emotion causes crazy things.

After Roberts kicked Mateta in the head during Palace’s FA Cup win on March 1, Mateta needed 25 stitches in his left ear.

Roberts was dismissed, and the 27-year-old French striker was stretchered off before being hospitalized.

Before being targeted by social media abuse, Roberts, 30, contacted Mateta that evening to apologize.

Mateta stated in an interview with Sky Sports that: “Liam texted me while I was in the hospital and I told him that football is fine. He expressed regret. He was concerned.

Roberts’ suspension has been increased from three to six, but Mateta doesn’t think the challenge was intended as a form of malicious behavior and described the abuse as “crazy.”

He didn’t seem to wake up and say, “I want to cut the head off JP,” Mateta continued.

“There is a lot of pressure,” she said. He wanted to do good, but acting out his feelings leads to crazy behavior. Simply put, it was a mistake. You take lessons from it.

Last week, Mateta and Palace went to Marbella for a training camp, where they individually practiced.

Oliver Glasner, manager of the Eagles, expressed his hope for Mateta’s top scorer’s fitness for their FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham on March 29 despite missing Mateta’s league victory over Ipswich.

Mateta responded, “I don’t know, when I’ll be able to play again.” I’m still in touch with the doctors and specialists. Hopefully soon. I’m hoping to play [at Fulham].”

The former Mainz and Lyon striker said he will wear a face mask while the stitches heal.