Crystal Palace: FA to investigate homophobic abuse from Millwall fans but not Jean-Philippe Mateta 'die' chant

Evening Standard

·01 de março de 2025

Crystal Palace: FA to investigate homophobic abuse from Millwall fans but not Jean-Philippe Mateta 'die' chant

The striker was also booed while be stretchered from the pitch and into an ambulance

The Football Association will investigate alleged homophobic abuse from Millwall fans directed at Crystal Palace's Ben Chilwell, but no further action will be taken against chants of "let him die" towards Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Vídeos OneFootball

A section of the away end were heard aiming chants of "Chelsea rent boy" in the direction of the Palace left-back, who is on loan from Chelsea for the rest of the season. The FA will investigate for breaches of homophobia laws.

Asked for a comment after the game, Millwall manager Alex Neil said: "I’m not in control of what people say ... I think the club will make a statement on that. I don’t think it’s my place to comment on that."

Earlier in the game, Mateta required treatment on the pitch for several minutes after being struck in the face by the boot of Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts. He required oxygen and eventually stretchered from the field to applause from the home fans while boos and chants of "let him die" were heard coming from the away fans.

Jonathan Pearce, who was commentating on the match for BBC Sport, immediately condemned the chants on air, stating: "Millwall fans are not endearing themselves with anyone with those chants about Mateta."

Alex Neil said after the game: "I can’t comment. I didn’t hear. I was hearing certain things, but the problem I’ve got is I’m getting pelters from people behind me, there’s things going on, I’m trying to reorganise my team, I’ve just lost a player.

"The last thing I’m doing is trying to pay attention to what fans on the other side of the pitch are singing. So, with the greatest respect, it’s not something I can pass comment on."

Standard Sport understands those chants will not be probed as they are deemed to have not breached regulations.

Millwall and Crystal Palace were approached for comment. The Football Association declined to comment.