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.”

Crystal Palace’s chairman Steve Parish, told BBC Sport that Roberts had “endangered a fellow professional and maybe his life”, while Palace manager Oliver Glasner said the foul “could have been the end of JP’s career”.

Parish told BBC One at half-time in the live broadcast of the game: “In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve not 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 [Roberts] needs to have a long, hard look at himself.

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown said on Match of the Day: “It is like a kung-fu kick. It is unbelievable how he has got his foot that high. Terrible, horrific challenge.”

Some Millwall fans chanted “let him die” towards Mateta while he was receiving treatment on the pitch, including oxygen, before being stretchered off. and taken straight to hospital.

The Football Association has condemned those chants but said they do not breach its regulations.

However, the FA will investigate homophobic chants aimed towards Ben Chilwell, on loan at Palace from Chelsea, from some Millwall supporters.

The Football Association could also extend Roberts’ suspension for serious foul play to more than three games if it is deemed to be insufficient punishment.

Millwall boss Alex Neil told BBC Radio London that he accepted that Roberts deserved to be sent off.

“I am not accepting anybody suggesting Liam has tried to hurt the player,” said Neil. “We’re five minutes into the game, we’re trying to win the game.

“I hope the lad is fine, I hope he comes back if it’s a serious injury, we wish him the best. For anyone to suggest Liam would intentionally hurt him is way off the mark for me.”

The club added: “No player at Millwall Football Club steps on to the pitch with the intent to harm another, and the club will continue to support Liam, who reached out to Jean-Philippe personally on Saturday evening with an apology which was accepted immediately.

“The club are pleased to hear positive updates from Jean-Philippe and wish him the best in his recovery.”