Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi wished stricken striker Jean-Philippe Mateta a speedy recovery after the striker was knocked out by a sickening kung-fu kick from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts during their FA Cup fifth-round tie at Selhurst Park.
Mateta required oxygen and has been taken to hospital after Roberts' raised left boot connected with his head. The Millwall keeper had touched the ball and referee Michael Oliver did not initially send him off before a VAR check led to the correct decision.
Palace chairman Steve Parish described it as the worst challenge he has ever seen in his time in football while confirming that French striker Mateta was rushed to a nearby hospital for checks.
Mateta late posted on social media to say he was OK, writing: "Thank you all for your kind messages. I'm doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever. Well done guys for the great job today. I love you. JP."
And skipper Guehi, who went on to hail the forward's replacement Eddie Nketiah for his role in a 3-1 win, told BBC after the game: "A little worrying actually. We wish him a speedy recovery. We hope he is doing well and can re-join the team as quickly as possible."
Palace took the lead in the 33rd minute through a Japhet Tanganga own goal. Eberechi Eze found Will Hughes on the left side of the Millwall penalty area and his cross was headed by Tanganga inadvertently past Jensen.
Defender Daniel Munoz soon made it 2-0 after finishing off a goalmouth scramble. 10-man Millwall pulled a goal back before half-time, though, as Wes Harding struck. But the hosts added a third through Nketiah, the former Arsenal player.
Guehi said of the substitute: "I expect that from him. He is a team player, never moaning or complaining. We are very proud of him, he is a top player."
Nketiah, meanwhile, said: "Sad for JP, hopefully he gets back soon. It was nice to get some minutes. Every player wants to play. We have a really good squad, a real togetherness. The fans are amazing here. One step closer."
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