Lucas Paqueta spoke out against the Football Association (FA) after receiving a red card during West Ham United’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool. He expressed his frustration on social media, highlighting that the FA did not offer enough psychological support during a long two-year investigation into spot-fixing. The Brazilian midfielder opened up about how the stress from the investigation affected his mental health.
During the match at London Stadium, Paqueta was sent off late in the game after receiving two yellow cards for arguing with the referee. His actions sparked discussions, with some commentators describing his behavior as “ridiculous.” In response, Paqueta stressed that the ongoing investigation had an impact on how he carried himself on the field.
He tweeted, “It’s unfair to have your life and career impacted for two long years without any support from the federation.” Paqueta elaborated on his feelings, stating, “This behavior might seem ridiculous, but it reflects the strain I’ve had to deal with, and I’m still facing! I apologize if I am not perfect.”
While admitting that his actions in the match were unacceptable, he emphasized that the investigation weighed heavily on his mind. “I know I might look like the villain now, but it’s tough to cope with what all of this has done to me mentally,” he shared.
Paqueta, however, did not shy away from taking responsibility for his actions during the game. “This doesn’t excuse my red card, and I’d like to say sorry to my teammates and the fans,” he added.
West Ham’s coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, mentioned he plans to have a private discussion with Paqueta to understand his reactions better. “I want to talk to him first,” he said, showing concern for the midfielder’s well-being.
Earlier, Paqueta was cleared of four spot-fixing allegations, which involved claims about deliberately seeking bookings in matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth. The investigation lasted two years and he faced the potential of a lifetime ban, but he maintained his innocence throughout the process.
