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    Jean-Philippe Mateta breaks silence after being rushed to hospital with horror injury during Crystal Palace vs Millwall

    JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA has broken his silence following his horror FA Cup injury.The Crystal Palace hitman was rushed to the hospital after being poleaxed in the first half of The Eagle’s fifth-round win over Millwall, whom they beat 3-1.Jean-Philippe Mateta suffered a horror injury in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup clash with MillwallCredit: GETTYMateta received medical treatment on the pitch for ten minutes after being kicked in the headCredit: GETTYHe was promptly taken to the hospital to undergo further assessmentCredit: GETTYThe forward took to Instagram to give an update on his conditionCredit: INSTAGRAM@IAMMATETAMateta was on the receiving end of a kung-fu kick of a challenge from Lions stopper Liam Roberts, who was belatedly given a red card.The Frenchman was left bloodied and received treatment for ten minutes – during which he was cruelly mocked by a minority of travelling Lions fans – before being rushed to the hospital.The injury has required the striker to have stitches and it is unclear if he will remain in the hospital overnight.But he allayed fears over his condition via his Instagram story, writing: “Thanks for all your kind messages. READ MORE ON MATETA”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.”Palace boss Oliver Glasner missed Roberts’ horrific attempt of a challenge but was left sickened after seeing the replay.He said: “I couldn’t see it live. I didn’t want to see it after the game. Most read in FootballJean-Philippe Mateta has thankfully avoided a serious injury following the nasty tackleCredit: Rex”I don’t want to watch the injury. I watched it because I knew I had to talk about it. “It was a very serious foul play. It’s tough to see. I don’t want to watch it again. ‘Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall star”Imagine it could have ended his career.”Glasner bears no ill will towards Roberts, adding: “He didn’t want to make such a challenge, but his decision to make the challenge was wrong. “I believe in fair play and all sportsmen don’t want to injure another. “His decision with his foot with this intensity was wrong.”The Daily Mail have claimed that chairman James Berylson and manager Alex Neil have contacted Mateta to check on his condition.The report also suggested that Roberts also got in touch with the French forward.Palace chairman and co-owner Simon Parish, however, wasn’t as sympathetic towards the 30-year-old keeper.After mimicking the awful challenge in the stands, he told the BBC during a half-time interview: “In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it.”I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30 years old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen.”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.Oliver Glasner was left sickened by the challenge on Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: GETTYPalace chairman Steve Parish blasted Liam Roberts over his horror challengeCredit: BBC”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.””It’s very difficult for me to talk about the rest of the game because we’re worried about JP in hospital. “It’s just a terrible, terrible challenge.”That goalkeeper hasn’t shown a duty of care to another professional.”Someone mentioned there was one in the 1982 World Cup like it.”But it’s a dreadful challenge and why the referee needs to go the screen, I’ve no idea.”Forget about him being a football player, he is a human being. That is not a normal challenge.Liam Roberts trudges off the pitch after clattering Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: AFPCrystal Palace booked their place in the fifth round thanks to a 3-1 win at Selhurst ParkCredit: Reuters”If you’re kicking someone in the head with the full force, God knows what damage has been done to him.”Millwall boss Alex Neil defended his player’s actions prior to watching the replay.The Scot said: “He’s misjudged it and caught the lad. He has mistimed it.”I don’t think it is meant. I don’t think there is any intent, why would there be intent?”We don’t want the lad to be injured. We wish him well and hope he is back on the pitch soon.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It was a mistiming, he was sent off, he is disappointed and will hope Mateta is fine, which we all do.”Palace booked their place in the quarter-finals thanks to an OG from Japhet Tanganga and goals from Daniel Munoz and Eddie Nketiah. More

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    Diletta Leotta watches husband Loris Karius get mobbed by team-mates after stunning debut in first game in 371 days

    LORIS KARIUS came out of the cold to a hot reception from wife Diletta Leotta in the stands – after 371 days without a game.The former Liverpool and Newcastle keeper, 31, made his debut for German second-tier club Schalke six weeks after signing. Diletta Leotta was at Schalke watching hubbie Loris KariusCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe is more used to viewing Serie A than the 2. BundesligaCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaKarius and Leotta were wed last JuneCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaKarius was pleased with his long-awaited return after joining SchalkeCredit: RexAnd his TV presenter partner posted glamorous pictures as she watched on from the impressive VELTINS-Arena, which regularly hosts sell-out crowds of 62,271.Karius revealed afterwards he was delighted with his performance in a 1-0 win over Munster, having only played twice before since February 2021.And Leotta looked just as pleased – as she saw the 31-year-old produce a string of classy saves before striker Pape Meissa Ba hit a late winner.Karius’ wages are understood to be dwarfed by his wife’s.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBild say he will pocket around £125,000 for his half-season deal – compared to the estimated £840k a year that Leotta earns as a star DAZN broadcaster covering Italy’s Serie A.And she has a growing army of social media fans, including 9.1million followers, partly due to sharing snaps in incredible outfits from the Italian top flight.But although Karius’ salary might be modest compared to his Premier League days, his focus is on reviving his career.And after launching his Schalke stint with a clean sheet, he told German TV: “For a goalkeeper, it’s always good if you can distinguish yourself.Most read in FootballSchalke team-mates mobbed Karius after a late double saveCredit: RexBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”I tried to give the team security and to defuse what came at the goal.”But that’s my job, I would be disappointed if I didn’t make those saves. That was fine for the debut.”Sports presenter and ex-Premier League Wag Diletta Leotta stuns in see-through top for live TV broadcast And Schalke boss Kees van Wonderen raved that Karius could “make the difference” for his mid-table Bundesliga 2 team.Van Wonderen axed 24-year-old Justin Heekeren to give the ex-Manchester City youth his chance.And The Athletic quote the Dutch manager as saying: “It’s always a difficult decision.”But he’s been here for two months and today he showed that he can make the difference”I’m happy for Schalke, for the team and for him. Our goalkeeper made the difference today.”And as for Karius himself, having such dazzling support in the crowd can only help.A glimpse into the life of broadcaster Leotta…Diletta stunned as she presented the Turin derby on Italian TVCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe is one of Serie A’s best-loved presentersCredit: GettyThe TV host put on a leggy display pitchsideCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe boasts 9.1m followers on Instagram aloneCredit: GettyDiletta gave birth to her first child with Karius in AugustCredit: Instagram / @dilettaleottaDiletta is no stranger to some extravagant outfits on her InstagramCredit: @dilettaleottaThe couple are pictured here in MilanCredit: The Mega AgencyThe Italian has shared holiday snapsShe has flipped between blonde and brunette looksCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/Diletta has previously worn an outfit similar to her Tomb Raider lookCredit: @dilettaleottaDiletta with a pared back lookCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta Leotta is reportedly dating Loris Karius after he visited her in MilanCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta has 8.6million Instagram followersCredit: GettyShe is a presenter for DaznCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta burst on to the scene with Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe posts regularly updates on Instagram to the delight of her fansCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta More

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    ‘This is embarrassing’ – Bournemouth vs Wolves hit with huge VAR delay as ref forced to hold conference on touchline

    FANS have slammed VAR as “embarrassing” after a huge seven-minute delay during Bournemouth’s FA Cup tie with Wolves.The Cherries managed to force the ball into the back of the net from a corner via a combination of Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez.There was a seven minute wait for VAR’s decision to be confirmedCredit: RexVideo replays showed it may have come off an arm and there was a hint of offside.But in bizarre scenes, fans and players were left waiting a whopping seven minutes before the goal was chalked off.The semi-automated offside technology, which is debuting in English football this weekend, is believed to have failed.It meant the officials were forced to draw the lines as usual, creating a lengthy delay. At one point referee Sam Barrott led captains Nelson Semedo and Lewis Cook to the touchline for a conference with the managers.The official then turned on his microphone and announced to the Vitality Stadium that the goal would not stand as Kerkez was offside.Angry Bournemouth fans sang, “It’s not football anymore,’ and “This is embarrassing,’ as the delay went on. More fumed on social media, with one writing: “Absolute mess of a system.”Most read in FootballAnother added: “That VAR at the Bournemouth game was utterly embarrassing.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Crystal Palace 3 Millwall 1: Eddie Nketiah seals place in FA Cup quarter-finals but game marred by Mateta horror injury

    ALEX NEIL urged his Millwall players not to do anything silly at Selhurst Park with VAR in the building.But after six minutes, Lions keeper Liam Roberts committed one of the worst challenges you are ever likely to see in football – and in the process almost took Jean-Philipe Matata’s head off.Crystal Palace ran out 3-1 winners against Millwall in their FA Cup fifth-round clashCredit: PABut the match was marred by a horror injury to Palace striker Jean-Phillipe MatetaCredit: REXThe striker was stretchered off and taken to hospital after Liam Roberts’ horror tackleCredit: RexWhen Will Hughes played a ball forward, the Palace striker managed to shrug off Jake Cooper and was about to break clear.Roberts had come racing out of his box and with the ball bouncing he attempted to clear before Mateta could pounce.He managed to get part of the ball but his stray left foot thumped Mateta in the face.Incredibly, Michael Oliver had to be invited by VAR to watch the incident again before he sent off the 30-year-old keeper.READ MORE ON PALACEThere was no malice from Roberts but it was a moment of complete and utter madness.Poor Mateta needed TEN MINUTES of treatment by medics — still receiving oxygen when he was finally taken to hospital with a nasty-looking gash on his head.For the Championship side, it was going to be an uphill struggle at Selhurst Park anyway, never mind with 10 men.During the time Mateta was stricken on the ground, some sick Millwall fans chanted: “Let him die”, with some moronic Palace fans also chanted this later at Lions ace Camiel Neghli, when he was down crocked before hobbling off.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJean-Philippe Mateta was down for ten minutes before he was stretchered offCredit: AlamyEverything that could go wrong for the Lions did in a first-half horror show.Former Spurs defender Japhet Tanganga headed past replacement and normal first-choice keeper Lukas Jensen to put Palace into a 33rd-minute lead.Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates after 4-1 win vs Aston VillaAnd then he inadvertently deflected a Millwall clearance into the path of Daniel Munoz, who otherwise would have been in an offside position, to add a second seven minutes later.Tanganga must wonder if he had run over a cat in Norwood or something as he seems jinxed at Selhurst Park.Just four years ago, he was sent off for Tottenham here.However, Wes Harding pulled one back in the 13th minute of first-half stoppage time and the Lions gave it a real good go in the second half before Eddie Nketiah headed home the clincher with nine minutes left.Palace will have seen this game as a great opportunity to go deep into the FA Cup. With their Premier League status all but mathematically secure and the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal out of the Cup, they have as much chance as anyone in what is beginning to look like one of the most open FA Cups in years.Millwall work so hard as a club in shrugging off its bad reputation and fans chanting “Chelsea rent boy” at Ben Chilwell flies in the face of everything they are trying to do at The Den.Boss Oliver Glasner made three changes for the Eagles. In came Matt Turner, Chilwell and Jefferson Lerma for Dean Henderson, Adam Wharton and Tyrick Mitchell.Millwall are in great league for – losing one of their last eight and having knocked Leeds out of the competition at Elland Road – made four. In came Roberts, Billy Mitchell, Josh Coburn and Wes Harding for Lukas Jensen, Tristan Carma, George Saville and Mihailo Ivanovic.Millwall played a psychological trick by making Palace attack their noisy Holmesdale stand for the first half after winning the toss. Lions keeper Roberts, though, gave them the worst possible start with that moment of madness.Nketiah came on for his stricken team-mate and with his first touch fired the ball into the net – but the ball had hit his arm before he shot.Millwall almost stunned the hosts a few moments later.Oliver Glasner was left sickened by the injury to Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: GETTYCrystal Palace chairman Steve Parish was flabbergasted by the challengeCredit: BBCHarding’s long throw was flicked on by Casper De Norre and Josh Coburn almost guided the ball home.Nketiah then saw a powerful effort kept out by keeper Lukas Jensen.Yet Palace were denied when Jensen made a brilliant save from Chilwell.But the hosts moved in front when Tanganga inadvertently headed into his own net as he attempted to block a Will Hughes effort.Chilwell then clattered the crossbar with a David Platt 1990 World Cup-esque volley on the turnAnd Palace added a second when Daniel Munoz, who was in an offside position, poked past Jensen.But the ball struck Tanganga as Millwall attempted to clear before it fell into the path of the Palace ace, meaning Munoz was not offside.Incredibly, the Lions pulled one back when Femi Azeez’s cross was spilled by Matt Turner and Harding cracked a deflected shot home.Palace were subdued after the break and Millwall came out fired up having got themselves back into the game.Glasner introduced ex-Millwall winger Romain Esse for his third appearance since completing a £14.5million move to Selhurst Park in January in a bid to inject more attacking imputes. The 19-year-old came on for Ismaila Saar and Wharton replaced Hughes.Millwall had been starting to find space in and around the Palace box.And a fine move saw Azeez almost fund 6ft 3in Coburn sliding into the six-yard box.The visitors — despite being down to 10 men for almost an hour — were not only being stubborn and hard to break down but carrying a threat in the final third.Palace, however, sealed their place in the quarter-finals with nine minutes left when Nketiah powered a header home from 10 yards after Chris Richards nodded the ball into his path.The Eagles ace refused to celebrate as he is a childhood Millwall fan raised in Deptford.READ MORE SUN STORIESJefferson Lerma was not too far away from adding a third but cracked a long-range effort inches over. Esse fired a shot straight at the keeper at the death.Palace can play a lot better than this but they march on into the last eight — and all focus is now on the wellbeing of Mateta. More

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    FA Cup 5th round LIVE: Jean-Philippe Mateta rushed to hospital with ear injury, Oliver Galsner confirms

    THE FA Cup fifth round is here – and some huge upsets could be on the cards.Today’s action kicked off with two thrilling derbies as Crystal Palace beat London rivals Millwall 3-1, and Preston shocked Burnley with a 3-0 win in the Lancashire derby.Jean-Philippe Mateta was taken off on a stretcher early on at Selhurst Park after the Palace striker was on the receiving end of a kung-fu-like kick from Liam Roberts, which saw the Lions keeper see red.Oliver Glasner has confirmed he picked up an ear injury, and will miss Palace’s clash against Ipswich.Later, Bournemouth and Wolves go head-to-head in an all-Premier League clash.To finish today’s action, Manchester City take on fourth round giant killers Plymouth.Kick off times: 12.15pm/3pm/5.45pmFollow our live blog below…HT: Bournemouth 1-0 WolvesThere is no doubt that The Cherries should be out of sight in this game.They have had the ball in the back of the net three times but VAR reviews have denied them.From a Wolves perspective, they should be able to play with a care-free attitude in the second-half, knowing that their FA Cup journey should already be over.Copy linkCopiedBoss gives update on MatetaOliver Glasner has given some clarity on his striker:”He’s at hospital now, it is a serious ear injury, but fingers are crossed it is not too serious.”He will miss the Ipswich game, but I hope he is available for the quarter-final of the FA Cup at the end of March.”Of course we all wish him the best.”Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at the Vitality StadiumAsk, and you shall receive. But the Bournemouth fans are only happy with one of the two big incidents. Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone will not want to see Evanilson’s goal again after being caught well out of position and only being able to parry Antoine Semenyo’s shot. Johnstone seemed to have been embarrassed again moments later when a David Brooks corner was forced in by a combination of Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez at the back post. But after a massive VAR delay, in which referee Sam Barrott held a touchline gathering with the captains, backroom staff and anyone else who fancied it, the man in electric blue announced to the crowd that it had been disallowed for offside against Kerkez. And then, during the seven minutes of stoppage time, Evanilson played in Kerkez, whose cross needed only to be tapped home by Brooks. But the ball was slightly behind him and he hit it on to his own hand before watching it dribble into the net despite Nasser Djiga’s best efforts. Brooks didn’t celebrate and the goal was disallowed much more quickly.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 1-0 Wolves45+4. Almost a second goal for the hosts.Kerkez rolls the ball across the box and Brooks is running onto it, three yards out.He miskicks the ball, it bobbles up and strikes his hand before going into the goal.Quite rightly, it is ruled out as a result but what a miss by the Bournemouth man.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at the Vitality StadiumDavid Brooks’ corner went all the way to the back post where it was forced over the line by a combination of Huijsen and Kerkez, with the suggestion of one or both using their arms.The home fans quite rightly sang, “It’s not football anymore,’ and “This is embarrassing,’ as the delay went on and on.At one point referee Sam Barrott led captains Nelson Semedo and Lewis Cook to the touchline for a conference with the managers, backroom staff and anyone else with an opinion to offer.But finally Barrott turned on his microphone and announced that Kerkez had been ruled offside.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 1-0 Wolves44. Relief for the visitors, finally.The Cherries’ goal is ruled out for offside.It took around seven minutes to come to that decision, semi-automated offside cannot come quickly enough.Copy linkCopiedGoal disallowed by VARCopy linkCopiedBournemouth 2-0 Wolves41. It has been six minutes already with this VAR check.The officials are making a mockery of this technology.It really seems like the lunatics are running the asylum.Copy linkCopiedVAR check in progressCopy linkCopiedGoal – Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 1-0 Wolves30. The deadlock has been broken on the south coast.Johnstone makes a save but does not get the ball clear of the goal.Evanilson rolls it into an empty net to score on his FA Cup debut.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Evanilson (Bournemouth)Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Wolves28. This game promised so much but, so far, has given so little.Both teams are looking full of promise with their attacking play but the shooting has been dreadful.The safest place to be if you do not want to be hit with the ball is in the middle of the goal currently.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at the Vitality StadiumNot going to lie, this is hardly thrill-a-minute stuff. Bournemouth are having the better of the game but have yet to force Sam Johnstone into a save. Wolves have been time-wasting from the start yet had the best chance when a Mateus Cunha cross reached Jorgen Strand Larsen. The vocal fans of both teams deserve better than this. Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Wolves20. The game is still finely poised at the Vitality Stadium.While both sides are creating half-chances, they are not really asking much of the keepers.It feels like one of those matches that could do with a goal to spark it into life.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Wolves15. Wolves show they are not just here for the ride.Cunha lays the ball off to Bellegarde but his shot is blocked.The Brazilian is immediately involved again, laying it into the path of Ait-Nouri, who sees his left-footed shot saved by Kepa.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Wolves10. This is one-way traffic currently.Bournemouth are piling on the pressure and the visitors are struggling to keep them out.It feels like it is just a matter of time before The Cherries break the deadlock in this one.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Wolves3. It is a feisty start at the Vitality Stadium.Cunha is looking to get involved for the visitors as he wins a free kick for Wolves.It all breaks down and The Cherries are immediately on the front foot.Tavernier has the first shooting chance, but drags his shot wide of the target.Copy linkCopiedBoss looking to top season offBournemouth have been one of the surprise packages in the Premier League this campaign.While they are pushing to qualify for Europe, Andoni Iraola knows what it would mean to their fans to win a trophy.Having seen some big teams exit the competition already, it seems a superb chance for The Cherries to make a rare Wembley appearance.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at the Vitality StadiumLet’s face it, these two sides are unlikely to have a better shout of winning the FA Cup any time soon than they do now. Liverpool, the only “big” club showing any consistency, are already out because they didn’t take the competition seriously enough in the last round. Bournemouth and Wolves have both made changes, but not so many that you think they fail to appreciate the opportunity they have. Evanilson makes his first start up top for the Cherries since breaking a David Beckham bone in his foot a couple of months ago. Copy linkCopiedVitality Stadium with pick of matchesBoth Bournemouth and Wolves have picked strong sides for this afternoon’s fifth round FA Cup tie.The Cherries will be boosted by the return of their Brazilian striker as they look to book a place in the quarter-finals.While Wolves are primarily focussed on Premier League survival, a cup run can be a catalyst for a change in fortunes and inspire a run of form.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedWolves starting XI:Vitor Pereira picks a strong side as they look to book their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.31. Johnstone, 34. Djiga, 4. Bueno, 24. Toti Gomes, 22. Semedo, 8. Joao Gomes, 27. Bellegarde, 3. Ait-Nouri, 21. Sarabia, 10. Cunha, 9. Strand LarsenCredit: @WolvesCopy linkCopiedBournemouth starting XI:The big news for The Cherries is the return of striker Evanilson from injury to start this match.13. Kepa, 4. Cook, 23. Hill, 2. Huijsen, 3. Kerkez, 8. Scott, 12. Adams, 7. Brooks, 16. Tavernier, 24. Semenyo, 9. EvanilsonCredit: @afcbournemouthCopy linkCopiedFT: Crystal Palace 3-1 MillwallThe Eagles book their place in the quarter-finals.It was a game they really controlled from start to finish but the visitors did well to stay competitive after going down to ten men.However, this afternoon will leave a sour taste in the mouths of all at Selhurst Park after seeing Mateta stretchered off and taken to hospital.Copy linkCopiedCherries fancied for cup clashDespite their dip in form lately, Andoni Iraola’s side are the bookies’ favourite to progress this afternoon:Bournemouth – 7/10Draw – 3/1Wolves – 16/5All match odds brought to you by Betway.Copy linkCopied More

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    Burnley stars SNUB handshake with Preston player accused of racially abusing team-mate before he taunts fans after goal

    BURNLEY players refused to shake hands with Preston’s Milutin Osmajic’s amid a racism row before their 3-0 FA Cup defeat. The two Championship clubs drew 0-0 in February in the league. Burnley players refused to shake hands with Preston’s Milutin Osmajic’s amid a racism rowOsmajic laughed off the snubCredit: X @BBCMOTDBut the match was marred in controversy after Osmajic was accused of making a racist remark to Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri.The FA are still investigating the incident meanwhile the teams drew each other in the fifth round of the cup. During the pre-match handshakes, Burnley players snubbed Osmajic.But the drama did not stop there as the Preston forward scored before half-time to double the host’s lead after Robbie Brady’s opener. READ MORE IN football And Osmajic caused more controversy after putting his hands to his ears to goad the travelling Burnley fans. And ex-Manchester United forward Will Keane made it 3-0 to wrap the game up. Burnley manager Scott Parker confirmed Hannibal was fit but he left out the Tunisia midfielder to protect him from the spotlight.Parker told BBC iPlayer before kick-off: “As I said earlier in the week in the press conference, fundamentally I need to protect Hannibal and making sure of the right decision.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It has been a tough decision and we come here a bit weakened today because Hannibal is a vitally important member of this squad, and I felt it was the best decision for Hannibal.”I wouldn’t want to put him in a situation here, so we have made the decision for the best for Hannibal. How Man Utd could clinch a win in Fulham FA Cup clash – Expert’s best bets | Weekend Wager”That is why he is not in the matchday squad.”Asked whether he spoke with Hannibal, Parker said: “It was mainly my decision. “Hannibal was selectable today but he is a young boy that experienced something here only a few weeks ago and I just made that decision to keep him out of here and we have another game on Tuesday.”If found guilty, Osmajic faces a minimum six-match ban as the FA continue their probe. Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom admitted he had not considered the idea of leaving Osmajic out. Asked whether he was taking an approach of “innocent until proven guilty” – Heckingbottom replied: “Yes, exactly – 100 per cent.” In October, Osmajic was hit with an eight-match ban after biting Blackburn’s Owen Beck.The incident took place during Preston’s 0-0 draw with Rovers in September.Osmajic last year bit Blackburn’s Owen BeckCredit: GettyOsmajic was accused of making a racist remark to Burnley’s Hannibal MejbriCredit: RexOsmajic was only shown a yellow during the game and was able to play in Preston’s next two games.But the FA launched an investigation and subsequently charged him.Osmajic missed Preston’s next eight matches and was also fined £15,000.Parker backed his squad after their handshake snub, as he said: “The players made that decision as a group.”The players decided that that was a stance they were going to take. I was fully supportive of that when I found out.”If that’s the decision this group wanted to take out of support and an understanding of more clarity and more of an understanding of the situation, that’s the decision they made.”I was fully supportive of that.”Parker held talks with Hannibal this week and despite the ex-United man being in a good frame of mind decided to leave him out.He said: “Hannibal is in a good frame. There was an opportunity to play him and I made the conscious decision.The players decided that that was a stance they were going to take. I was fully supportive of that when I found out.Scott Parker “I made the decision to take him out of that situation. There’s a live investigation going on now and there’s no conclusion to it.”I didn’t want to put Hannibal in a situation today which is still up in the air. Because that’s what it is.”He’s coming to an away stadium. Maybe against a player that the allegations are against. And a fan base which people are making up their minds about whether it was or whether it wasn’t.”My decision which took me a long time and a lot of thinking about was one that I just wanted to protect Hannibal.”Osmajic scored the second of Preston’s three goals as they reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1966.Preston fans responded late on by chanting “Are you watching Hannibal?”.Parker added: “It’s made me sad really.”I’m sure he would have been fine today. But I’ve been around football a long time. I understand fanbases.”I didn’t want to put him in this situation.”North End boss Paul Heckingbottom said: “It’s about could he be professional enough to give a performance for us? READ MORE SUN STORIES”That was it. That’s what the conversations were about. If I felt or he felt that he couldn’t be professional enough then we wouldn’t have been involved.”Osmajic scored and taunted Burnley fansCredit: GettyHe cupped his ears to goad fansCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall star

    STEVE PARISH has claimed Liam Roberts ENDANGERED Jean-Philippe Mateta’s life with his horror challenge.In-form Crystal Palace hitman Mateta was rushed to the hospital after being on the receiving end of a wild tackle from the Millwall keeper in the first half of the tasty FA Cup fifth-round tie.Liam Roberts crashed into Jean-Philippe Mateta in Millwall’s FA Cup clash with Crystal PalaceCredit: REXThe Millwall stopper got the ball, but his left boot followed through and felled MatetaCredit: GETTYThe tackle drew blood and resulted in Mateta being transported to the hospitalCredit: GettyPalace owner Steve Parish went on an extraordinary mid-match rant about the challengeCredit: BBCRoberts booted the striker in the head as he recklessly cleared the ball with a kung-fu kick of a challenge, which eventually earned him a red card.Parish couldn’t quite believe his eyes and voiced his frustrations during a mid-match interview with the BBC.He said: “So far what we know is he’s got a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury. He’s at the hospital so we hope for the best.”There’s a lot of emotion in football but we need to talk about that challenge. READ MORE ON MATETA”In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it.”I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30 years old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen.”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.Most read in FootballSteve Parish mimicked Liam Roberts’ tackle in the standsCredit: BBC”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.”Parish couldn’t quite believe that referee Michael Oliver needed to review the incident before giving Roberts his marching orders.Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees redHe continued: “It’s very difficult for me to talk about the rest of the game because we’re worried about JP in hospital. It’s just a terrible, terrible challenge.”That goalkeeper hasn’t shown a duty of care to another professional.”Someone mentioned there was one in the 1982 World Cup like it.”But it’s a dreadful challenge and why the referee needs to go the screen, I’ve no idea.”Forget about him being a football player, he is a human being. That is not a normal challenge. Jean-Philippe Mateta was rushed to the hospital after being treated on the pitchCredit: REX”If you’re kicking someone in the head with the full force, God knows what damage has been done to him.”Palace boss Oliver Glasner was left sickened by the injury, saying: “I didn’t want to see it after the game. “I didn’t want to watch the injury. I watched it because I knew I had to talk about it. “It was a very serious foul play. It’s tough to see. I don’t want to watch it again. “Imagine it could have ended his career. He didn’t want to make such a challenge but his decision to make the challenge was wrong.Oliver Glasner was sickened by the injury to Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: GETTY”I believe in fair play and all sportsmen don’t want to injure another. His decision with his foot with this intensity was wrong.Sections of the travelling Millwall support shockingly mocked the injury to Mateta by chanting, “Let him die.”Palace raced into a 2-0 lead in seven first-half minutes thanks to an own goal from Japhet Tanganga and a strike from Daniel Munoz. READ MORE SUN STORIESTen-man Millwall, however, reduced the arrears in first-half stoppage time through Wes Harding.The Lions battled valiantly but had their hopes of a quarter-final hopes dashed by a sumptuous header from substitute Eddie Nketiah. More

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    ‘How do these transfers happen?’ – Premier League cult hero Saido Berahino, 31, completes ‘random’ move

    FOOTIE fans have been left baffled by Saido Berahino’s latest transfer.The 31-year-old was once one of the most sought-after strikers in the Premier League, with the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham chasing his signature.Saido Berahino was once one of the most sought after strikers in the Premier LeagueCredit: GETTYThe 31-year-old has bounced around from club to club over the last few yearsCredit: GETTYBerahino has completed a shock move to Slovenian second-division side Tabor SezanaCredit: INSTAGRAM@NKTABORSEZANABut a big-money move never materialised for the former England Under-21 international, who has bounced around from club to club over the last few years.Berahino became a free agent last November after leaving Indian second-division side Rajasthan United.And he’ll now ply his trade in the Slovenian second division with Tabor Sezana.The announcement of his latest move stunned footie fans, one of whom wrote on X: “How do these random transfers happen.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother said: “What waste of talent.”And another said: “Prime example of a player thinking he is better than he actually is and subsequently ruining his career.”One remarked: “Went from being ahead of Harry Kane in the England set up to a compete journey man. What a wasted talent.”Berahino’s shock move to Slovenia is his SIXTH transfer in as many years.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSaido Berahino was at one point in time ahead of Harry Kane in the England Under-21 pecking orderCredit: GettyAnd he’s chomping at the bit to fire his new club back to the Slovenian top-flight.He said: “I’m looking forward to being part of a team that is fighting for promotion!Stoke City ace Saido Berahino swears outside court in March as he denies 3am ‘drink-drive’ rap before tearing off in his £150k Mercedes”We have a lot of young and talented players who have done a great job so far.”But now it’s time for us to come together as a team and pursue one goal – PROGRESSION!” More