[WEGO Sports News] Shocking incident in FA Cup... Palace striker carried off on stretcher.

Crystal Palace faced Millwall in the FA Cup Round of 16 for the 2024-25 season at Selhurst Park in London at 9:15 PM (GMT+9) on the 1st. The first half of the match is currently in progress.

An unexpected accident occurred just 8 minutes into the game. Palace connected a delicate long pass to Mateta, who was penetrating the defensive back space, and Mateta faced a one-on-one situation with the opposing goalkeeper. In this process, Millwall's goalkeeper Liam Roberts ran out of the penalty box to clear the ball and created a dangerous scene by kicking Mateta's head.

Mateta immediately collapsed and the game continued briefly, but referee Michael Oliver later stopped the game and Palace's medical team was brought in. Mateta's collapsed condition appeared serious, and he had to leave the field on a stretcher while using an oxygen respirator. This caused the game to be suspended for about 7 minutes. Goalkeeper Roberts received a straight red card for this dangerous play.

Palace continued the game by bringing in Eddie Nketiah instead of Mateta, while Millwall brought in a backup goalkeeper, taking out a field player to fill the void left by Roberts who was sent off.

British 'Talk Sport' commentator Scott Minto said about this scene that it was a reckless action. Hitting the head instead of the ball was a really dangerous challenge. The red card decision was obvious. Even without malicious intent, the tackle itself was too horrible. He commented that he hopes Mateta recovers quickly.

Mateta has been playing as a striker for Crystal Palace since the 2020-21 season, and has grown significantly after establishing himself as the team's main striker since last season. He scored 16 goals in the league last season and has continued his good form this season with 12 goals and 2 assists. Particularly in 2025, he showed peak scoring form, starting with a goal in the first game of the new year against Chelsea and scoring in two consecutive games. Last month, he secured a victory for his team with multiple goals in an away match against Manchester United. He was in excellent form with 8 goals and 1 assist in 8 games played in 2025, but his performance had to be temporarily halted due to this injury.