Lucas Paqueta Slams FA After Red Card in Liverpool Defeat

West Ham's Lucas Paqueta has publicly challenged the Football Association after a lengthy inquiry, following his red card in the defeat by Liverpool.

The Brazil midfielder says the case has affected his life and career, arguing that the handling has been damaging and that he won't be defined by a single moment.

What happened against Liverpool

In a 2-0 defeat on Sunday, Paqueta received two quick yellow cards for dissent after arguing with the referee over a foul award with six minutes remaining.

The FA investigation and outcome

The FA began examining Paqueta's conduct in August 2023 and charged him in May of the following year for allegedly getting booked deliberately to influence bets in the betting market. In July, an independent regulatory panel ruled that the four charges were not proven. Paqueta was reprimanded and warned about future conduct for failing to cooperate with the investigation.

Reaction and context

Paqueta, who joined West Ham from Lyon in August 2022 and helped the club win the Europa Conference League in his first season, posted on X that his life and career had been affected for two years without psychological support from the federation. He added that the behavior shown might reflect the ordeal he has endured, and he apologized to teammates and fans.

Club and next steps

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo declined to comment heavily, saying he would speak with Paqueta to understand his frustrations. The midfielder had returned from a one-match ban after picking up five yellow cards in the league, and had missed the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth the previous weekend. Paqueta had been linked with a move worth about £85 million to Manchester City in August 2023 before the investigation surfaced.

Expert view: A sports psychologist notes that protracted investigations can erode confidence and affect on-field aggression. Another analyst adds that clear communication and timely support are crucial for players navigating such scrutiny.

Short summary

Paqueta defends himself after a controversial red card as a long-running FA probe continues to cast a shadow over his season. The independent panel cleared him of the spot-fixing charges but warned him about future conduct. West Ham’s coach emphasised the need to understand his mindset moving forward, and the club remains hopeful his form will rebound.

Key insight: Prolonged investigations can strain a player’s mental health and public image, underscoring the importance of support systems and fair handling. Source: BBC Sport