Fans Chant ‘Let Him Die’ After Horrific Injury During Game (Video)

English football saw one of its ugliest moments on Saturday as Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta suffered a brutal head injury during an FA Cup fifth-round showdown against Millwall.

What should have been a tense, hard-fought match turned into a disturbing spectacle when Millwall fans were heard chanting “Let him die” as Mateta lay motionless on the pitch, receiving urgent medical care.

A Devastating Blow and a Shameful Reaction

The incident unfolded just six minutes into the game at Selhurst Park. Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts charged forward to clear a loose ball but instead struck Mateta’s head with full force.

The 27-year-old forward immediately collapsed, prompting medical staff to rush onto the field. With a stunned crowd looking on, Mateta was administered oxygen for nearly ten minutes before being stretchered off and transported to a nearby hospital.

Yet, the sickening nature of the injury was compounded by the behavior of Millwall’s traveling supporters. Reports confirm that a section of their fans repeatedly chanted, “Let him die,” as medics fought to stabilize the unconscious player. The reaction was met with outrage from Crystal Palace supporters, who countered by chanting Mateta’s name in solidarity.

Hoje, Jean-Philippe Mateta, atacante do Crystal Palace, sofreu uma entrada criminosa do goleiro do Millwal, pela Copa da Inglaterra.

O goleiro foi expulso e o atacante retirado de maca e encaminhado para o hospital.

DEVERIA SAIR PRESO pic.twitter.com/RlXogndHD5

— Felipe ★彡 (@_infogo) March 1, 2025

FA Under Fire for Weak Response

Despite widespread condemnation from pundits and fans alike, the Football Association (FA) has declined to take disciplinary action against the club for the chants. “While we strongly disapprove of the language used by some Millwall supporters, it does not constitute a breach of FA regulations,” an FA spokesperson stated.

However, the governing body has confirmed it will investigate separate allegations of homophobic abuse directed at Crystal Palace’s Ben Chilwell, who is on loan from Chelsea. Critics argue the FA’s decision not to act on the “Let him die” chants is yet another example of its failure to address rising toxicity in the sport.

A Reckless Challenge and a Red Card

After reviewing the footage, the Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, and Roberts was shown a straight red card for the reckless challenge. Palace manager Oliver Glasner, visibly shaken in his post-match press conference, did not mince words.

“It was dangerous. In fact, it was beyond dangerous. If that boot had landed differently, we could be talking about a career-ending injury or worse. I know Roberts didn’t mean it, but that doesn’t excuse the risk he took,” Glasner said. “Jean-Philippe is in the hospital with a serious ear injury. We’re all praying he recovers quickly.”

Mateta Speaks Out as Palace Advances

Despite the horror of the incident, Crystal Palace kept their composure and secured a commanding 3-1 victory. Substitute Eddie Nketiah, who replaced Mateta, found the net in the second half, ensuring Palace’s place in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

From his hospital bed, Mateta reassured fans with a defiant message. “Thank you for all your kind messages. I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever. Well done guys for a great job today,” he posted on Instagram.

Outrage Over Millwall Fans’ Behavior

Palace chairman Steve Parish expressed his disgust at the chants. “This isn’t just about football rivalries. What we heard today was disgraceful. No player should ever have to go through this,” he stated. “I sincerely hope authorities take this seriously.”

Former players and pundits echoed the sentiment, calling for harsher penalties against Millwall fans who participated in the vile chants. “It’s appalling. This isn’t passion, it’s depravity,” said ex-England captain Alan Shearer. “This has no place in football.”

As the FA Cup moves forward, the fallout from this shameful event is far from over. The football world will be watching closely to see whether authorities hold Millwall accountable—or if another opportunity to clean up the game will be wasted.