Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta needed 25 stitches on a cut to his ear after being kicked by Millwall's goalkeeper during an FA Cup game Saturday in what Palace's club chairman described as “the most reckless challenge” he'd ever seen.

Eight minutes into Crystal Palace's 3-1 victory over Millwall in the FA Cup round of 16, striker Jean-Philippe Mateta had to be withdrawn from the match and eventually taken to the hospital following a reckless challenge from Millwall keeper Liam Roberts.

Crystal Palace said in a statement that "all scans were clear" and Mateta "will now rest and recuperate over the following days where his progress will be monitored by our club doctor".