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Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish labelled a tackle by Millwall’s goalkeeper which left striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in hospital “the most reckless challenge I think I’ve ever seen”.

Goalkeeper Liam Roberts was shown a red card, following a VAR review, after coming off his line to clear a long ball and colliding into the on-rushing Mateta in the head with his raised studs.

Frenchman Mateta, who has been in superb form for Premier League side Palace with 15 goals from 33 appearances, was given oxygen on the pitch during a lengthy stoppage before being taken off and put into an ambulance. He was replaced by Eddie Nketiah.

Millwall’s Liam Roberts fouled Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and was later sent off (Reuters)

Speaking on the BBC at half-time, Parish accused Roberts of endangering an opponent’s life.

“What we know is he’s got a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury,” said Parish. “In all the time I’ve watched football I’ve never seen a challenge like it. That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen and I think he needs to take a long hard look at himself, that lad, because he’s endangering a fellow professional – maybe even his life.”

Palace led 2-1 at half-time.

The match at Selhurst Park was one of four taking place on Saturday, with Preston facing Burnley in an all-Championship tie before Bournemouth take on Wolves and Plymouth Argyle travel to Manchester City looking to deliver another famous upset.

On Sunday, Newcastle take on Brighton at St James’ Park, before Manchester United face Fulham at home in the last tie of the weekend.

The draw for the quarter-finals will follow the conclusion of that tie, before the fifth round concludes with Nottingham Forest hosting Ipswich on Monday night.