Millwall fans have left social media stunned by their ‘bizarre’ gesture for goalkeeper gesture Liam Roberts in the wake of his red card.
The 30-year-old was sent off in the eighth minute of Millwall’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend after a flying tackle on Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Described as the ‘most reckless challenge I’ve ever seen’ by Palace owner Steve Parish, Mateta was immediately rushed to hospital after being whacked in the face.
The Frenchman was later discharged from hospital after receiving 25 stitches to his ear having been left with a ‘severe laceration’.
Roberts, who was handed a six-game ban over his foul, has come under intense criticism over the foul, leading Millwall to defend him in an angry statement.
It read: “The club are disgusted by abuse directed towards goalkeeper Liam Roberts following Saturday’s unfortunate collision with Jean-Philippe Mateta.”
The statement continued: “No player at Millwall Football Club steps on to the pitch with the intent to harm another, and the club will continue to support Liam, who reached out to Jean-Philippe personally on Saturday evening with an apology which was accepted immediately.
“The club are pleased to hear positive updates from Jean-Philippe and wish him the best in his recovery.”
And in the eighth minute of the club’s Championship clash against Bristol City on Tuesday night at The Den, the home fans showed their support for the shot-stopper.
In a video shared by talkSPORT’s Ian Abrahams, supporters could be seen rising to their feet to loudly clap.
It has left rival fans left stumped, as one mystified X user commented: “Bizarre. Bloke takes off Mateta’s head nearly and he’s the victim?”
Another messaged: “Nah, this has gotta be a joke.”
A third added: “So embarrassing especially in such a empty Den.”
This fan then simply stated: “Everything about this is so embarrassing.”
Though Millwall fans found the funny side over the gesture, as one said: “Mate I f****** love my football club.”
Meanwhile another posted: “Hahahahaha we do take the p*** don’t we.”
Roberts linked up at Millwall last summer following an impressive season in League One with Barnsley.
He has featured in just six matches in all competitions this term – with just two coming in England’s second-tier.
