Paqueta criticises FA after red card against Liverpool.
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta believes his “ridiculous behaviour” that earned him a red card in Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat was a “reflection of everything I’ve had to go through.”
An independent regulatory commission cleared the Brazil midfielder of spot-fixing charges in July, after a nearly two-year probe by the Football Association.
On Sunday, referee Darren England showed Paqueta two yellow cards in short succession for dissent after disputing over a decision to award a foul against his team with six minutes remaining.
After the game, Paqueta posted on X in reaction to a post that quoted former Hammers goalkeeper and Sky Sports summariser Rob Green, who called the red card “ridiculous behaviour.”
“It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation,” Paqueta added, apologised to his teammates and club supporters.
“Perhaps this absurd attitude is just a reflection of everything I’ve had to endure and, it appears, will continue to endure!
“I’m sorry if I’m not perfect.”
The 28-year-old was only returning from a one-match suspension on Sunday, having received five yellow cards in the league and missing the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth the previous weekend. “I understand that now I have to come across as the villain, it’s hard to live with everything that was caused in my life and in my psyche,” the Portuguese-speaking actor wrote. “I’ll keep trying to prevent them from affecting me any further. This does not justify my expulsion, so I apologise to the fans and my teammates.
The FA launched its investigation in August 2023, and the 27-year-old was charged in May of last year for allegedly getting booked “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market”.
Paqueta faces a lifelong ban if convicted. Following a hearing, the regulatory commission determined that Paqueta’s four claims were “not proven,” but he was admonished and warned about his future conduct for failing to cooperate with the inquiry into the allegations.
After the game, West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo stated: “I’m not going to say too much.
“First of all I’m going to speak to Lucas and try to understand his frustrations and his behaviour.”
Paqueta joined the Hammers from Lyon in August 2022 and helped them win the Europa Conference League in his first season.
Prior to the FA probe, he was reportedly poised to join Manchester City for £85 million in August 2023
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