Those at Crystal Palace are stunned that VAR was needed to see that the horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta was worthy of a red card - with a former Premier League referee slamming the "appalling" officiating .
The Eagles advanced in their FA Cup fifth round tie, seeing off London rivals Millwall, who found themselves down to 10 men early on at Selhurst Park. Goalkeeper Liam Roberts was dismissed after he produced a high foot kick which made brutal contact with Mateta.
His injury was immediately obvious and he was stretchered off, but Michael Oliver needed VAR before deciding that he needed to send-off Roberts. The referee initially waved play on before the home players surrounded him and he was then advised to go to the monitor, with the decision not to immediately award the foul and red card leaving the club stunned according to the Daily Mail.
Former Prem referee and PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, meanwhile, slammed the decision and told Football Insider 247: "What an appalling challenge and I have to ask the question why one of the world’s top referees failed to immediately show a red card. It is frankly an absolute no brainer.
“What is also appalling is that referee Michael Oliver had to rely on VAR in order to deliver the outcome. It didn’t need a second look, it was horrendous.”
Mateta required oxygen but has since been discharged from hospital. Mateta required 25 stitches to a gash on his ear, with Palace releasing a statement on Saturday night. It read: "We are very pleased to confirm that JP Mateta has this evening been discharged from St George’s Hospital where he received specialist treatment and 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his left ear.
"All scans were clear and JP is feeling well. He will now rest and recuperate over the following days where his progress will be monitored by our club doctor. Thank you to the medical staff at both Selhurst Park and the hospital for their help and professionalism, and for all the wishes of support that JP and the club have received today.
The Lions keeper was accused of endangering the striker's life by Palace chairman Steve Parish, who branded the challenge as the worst he has ever seen in football.
He said: "In all the time I've watched football, I've not seen a challenge like it. I looked to see how old the keeper was and he's 30 years old. He needs to have a long hard look at himself that lad. He’s endangering a fellow professional and maybe his life. It is difficult for me to talk about the rest of the game if you're worried about JP. It is a terrible challenge.
"They're professionals and they have to treat each other like professionals and have a duty of care for your fellow professionals. That keeper has not had one (duty of care). Credit to the players carrying on. It is difficult for me to think about anything else with JP in hospital.
"Why the referee (Michael Oliver) needed to go to the screen I have got no idea. He’s a human being. Forget he's a football player. It is not a normal challenge. We want to progress, but it is difficult for me to look past that challenge."
It is understood that Millwall head coach Alex Neil and chairman James Berylson have both checked in on Mateta’s condition after the game. The Daily Mail also claimed that Roberts has got in touch with the Palace striker.
The Eagles marched on in the FA Cup with Japhet Tanganga's own goal setting them on their way. Millwall did pull a goal back to make the game a contest at 2-1 but Eddie Nketiah made it safe in injury time as Palace eye a cup run with several of the major teams already out.
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