Millwall have condemned “disgusting” abuse aimed at goalkeeper Liam Roberts, who was sent off for kicking Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta in a head-high tackle in Saturday’s 3-1 FA Cup fifth round defeat at Selhurst Park.

Mateta had to be stretchered off the field of play after receiving eight minutes of treatment following the incident, and later needed 25 stitches for a severe laceration to his left ear.

Millwall said Roberts, 30, had contacted Mateta that evening “with an apology which was accepted immediately”.

In a statement released on Monday, the Lions said the reporting of the incident had “contributed to an unwarranted character assassination” and “fuelled abhorrent” online abuse towards Roberts.

“The club are disgusted by abuse directed towards goalkeeper Liam Roberts following Saturday’s unfortunate collision with Jean-Philippe Mateta,” the Championship club said.

“The reporting on the matter, as well as disgraceful suggestions made by certain news organisations and high-profile figures within the sport that Liam intended to harm Jean-Philippe, has contributed to the unwarranted character assassination of Liam and fuelled abhorrent online abuse towards him.”