Crystal Palace secured a decisive 3-1 victory against Millwall in a highly charged FA Cup encounter, advancing to the quarter-finals. The match, however, was overshadowed by a controversial incident early in the game. Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts received a straight red card in the 8th minute after a reckless challenge that left Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta stretchered off the field. This incident set the tone for a dramatic and tense match at an undisclosed stadium.
The match began with both teams eager to establish dominance, but it quickly took a shocking turn. In a moment described as "the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I've ever seen" by Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, Liam Roberts caught Mateta's head with his high boot just outside the area. The incident halted play for almost ten minutes as Mateta received medical attention before being taken off the field.
Crystal Palace's manager, Oliver Glasner, expressed his dismay over the challenge and its impact on the match's momentum.
"We can't be really happy. Of course it's a great win and into the quarter-finals, but when you lose a player with a foul like this, you have two different feelings in your stomach." – Oliver Glasner
Glasner further elaborated on the unfortunate challenge, acknowledging the unintended nature of Roberts' actions while emphasizing the severity of the foul.
"I didn't want to see it, but I have to talk about it. It's terrible [the challenge]. I'm sure that the goalkeeper didn't want to injure JP in this situation because no player wants this." – Oliver Glasner
"But if you go the ball like this with the intensity in the head, you just can't do it because it's so dangerous. I don't want to blame him, but it's a terrible foul." – Oliver Glasner
Despite the early setback, Crystal Palace regrouped and took the lead in the 33rd minute through an own goal by Millwall's Japhet Tanganga. Seven minutes later, Daniel Munoz extended their advantage with a well-placed strike, putting Crystal Palace firmly in control by halftime.
Millwall, however, showed resilience and fought back in the second half. Wes Harding brought them level with a powerful equalizing goal in the 58th minute, reigniting hopes for a comeback. Yet, Crystal Palace was not to be denied their path to victory.
Eddie Nketiah became the hero for Crystal Palace as he netted their third goal in the 81st minute, sealing their progress to the quarter-finals. The match concluded with Crystal Palace emerging victorious despite the early drama and Millwall's valiant efforts to stay competitive.
Oliver Glasner highlighted his team's performance and acknowledged the challenges they faced during the match.
"The players did well until the 55th minute in the first half. We controlled the game and we were on track. Then we unnecessarily gift the ball before half time and then it's 2-1 and then they picked up their belief." – Oliver Glasner
The absence of functioning screens at the side of the dugout added to the complexities of managing such a heated game.
"Unfortunately, [the screens] at the side of the dugout weren't working so we couldn't really watch the incident back." – Oliver Glasner
As Crystal Palace advances to the FA Cup quarter-finals, Millwall reflects on missed opportunities and an eventful clash that left them short-handed on the field. The specifics of another Millwall player being sent off remain undisclosed, adding to their woes on a challenging day.
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