Risk-free Mateta pleased with FA Cup progress as Bournemouth also advance

Roberts was sent off just eight minutes into the South London derby at Selhurst Park after catching Mateta's head with his boot as he raced out of the penalty area to clear the ball. Referee Michael Oliver only issued a red card after a VAR review of the challenge, with Roberts winning the ball before accidentally crashing his boot into Mateta's head.

"Thank you for all your kind messages. I'm doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever. Well done guys for a great job today," Mateta posted on Instagram.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Mateta had suffered a serious injury to his ear but said the impact could have ended the Frenchman's career.

"Just imagine if he hits his face straight, with his power, with the studs, it is the end of JP's career," said Glasner. "I'm pretty sure he didn't want to injure JP in this situation, but I also think that you have to decide when you make such an impact, you just can't do it in this way."

 

March 1, 2025

Bournemouth drama

Bournemouth advanced to the last eight for only the third time in their history with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over Wolves after their 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium.

Evanilson's 30th-minute opener for Bournemouth was followed by VAR controversy as Milos Kerkez had a second ruled out for offside after an eight-minute check when the new semi-automated version of the system broke down.

Matheus Cunha levelled for Wolves with a second-half rocket to force extra-time, but the Brazilian was sent off for violent conduct after repeatedly clashing with Kerkez just before the penalties.

After Matt Doherty missed when he had the chance to send Wolves through, Boubacar Traore hit the crossbar and Luis Sinisterra sealed the win for Andoni Iraola's men. Milutin Osmajic taunted Burnley fans after helping Preston into the quarter-finals for the first time since 1966 with a 3-0 win at Deepdale.

When the Championship sides played in the league two weeks ago, Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri accused Osmajic of racist abuse, allegations which the Preston striker denies.

The incident remains the subject of an FA investigation and Mejbri was left out of the squad for the rematch. Burnley players declined to shake hands with Montenegro international Osmajic before their latest meeting.

Osmajic got Preston's second goal late in the first half and celebrated by taunting Burnley fans with his hands cupped around his ears before being embraced by his teammates.

Robbie Brady had put the hosts in front in the 31st minute and Will Keane added a third midway through the second half as Preston ended Burnley's 23-game unbeaten run.

 

March 1, 2025