Lucas Paqueta remains in a challenging mindset as he faces ongoing investigation from the Football Association (FA) regarding allegations of spot-fixing. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo addressed Paqueta’s state after the Brazilian received a controversial red card during West Ham United’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool. The midfielder was shown two yellow cards within a mere 67 seconds, both for dissent.
Following his ejection from the match, Paqueta turned to social media to express his frustration, particularly concerning the FA’s treatment of him. He had previously been cleared of any wrongdoing related to receiving four yellow cards in matches from November 2022 to August 2023. In his post, he lamented, “It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation,” indicating the toll the investigation has taken on him. He added, “This ridiculous behaviour is just a reflection of everything I’ve had to endure.”
Paqueta’s suspension means he will miss the upcoming match against Manchester United at Old Trafford this Thursday. Nuno acknowledged the emotional strain on Paqueta, commenting, “He is not okay. He is suffering, he is disappointed and upset.” While recognizing the mistakes made during the match, Nuno expressed optimism, stating, “He is willing to move forward,” and emphasized the need for understanding about the pressures players face.
Despite the current turmoil, Paqueta’s contributions to the team remain significant; he is West Ham’s joint-leading scorer this season with four goals. He is scheduled to return to play on Sunday when West Ham travels to Brighton, offering a glimpse of hope for both the player and the team moving forward.