Jean-Philippe Mateta exclusive: Crystal Palace striker reveals he wanted to play on after ear injury
18 March 2025, 15:57 | Updated: 19 March 2025, 08:36
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has told Sky Sports News he wanted to play on after he suffered a gruesome ear injury against Millwall in the FA Cup.
Mateta required 25 stitches after a horror challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts saw him stretchered off at Selhurst Park in last month's FA Cup fifth-round tie that Palace won 3-1.
Roberts received an extended six-match ban from the Football Association for his high boot on Mateta, who was rushed to hospital in an ambulance after being left bloodied by the challenge with injuries around his ear.
But Mateta was unaware of the severity of the wounds he had suffered, and pleaded with the Palace doctor to let him return to action.
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