BBC FA Cup MOTD commentator issues damning statement after horrific Millwall fan chant | Football | Sport

BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce was left shocked by the obscene chants from some Millwall fans during the early stages of their FA Cup game against Crystal Palace. There were fireworks on the pitch almost straight away, with Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta on the receiving end of a dangerous tackle from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.

Roberts came rushing out of his goal in an attempt to clear the ball, which was bouncing at head height. His outstretched boot ended up making heavy contact with Mateta’s head, leaving the Frenchman in a crumpled heap and in need of medical attention.

A quick VAR intervention saw referee Michael Oliver called over to the pitchside monitor to review the incident, which resulted in Roberts being shown a straight red card. The sheer force of the challenge led to Mateta being stretchered off and taken into the back of an ambulance after receiving oxygen.

While he was being treated by physios and medical staff, some Millwall fans at Selhurst Park appeared to chant: “Let him die, let him die, let him die.”

Pearce, who was commentating on the match, was left far from impressed and felt compelled to say: “Millwall fans are not endearing themselves with anyone with those chants about Mateta.” Express Sport has reached out to Millwall for comment.

The BBC cameras panned to Palace chairman Steve Parish, who was visibly concerned for his player. He was seen gesticulating to other members of staff beside him in the directors’ box and re-enacting the tackle which left Mateta in a sorry state.

The forward was replaced by Eddie Nketiah, who fired past Millwall’s replacement goalkeeper Lukas Jensen with one of his first touches but saw the goal quickly ruled out for a handball.

Palace eventually took the lead after 33 minutes, with the ball bouncing off the head of Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga and into the back of the net. They doubled their advantage through Daniel Munoz, who raced into space to poke home from close range before the break.

There were 13 minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half due to Mateta’s lengthy period of treatment before he was stretchered off. Millwall pulled one back just seconds before the half-time whistle, with Wes Harding firing through a crowd of defenders to halve the deficit.