FA Warns West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, No Extra Penalty for Red Card Dissent
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has received a warning from the Football Association (FA) regarding his conduct during a recent match. The warning followed his dismissal in a game against Liverpool, where he faced two yellow cards for dissent from referee Darren England.
Incident Details
The incident occurred during a 2-0 defeat for West Ham at home on Sunday, 30 November. Paqueta reacted persistently to a foul decision, resulting in two quick bookings. Before leaving the pitch, he continued to engage with officials and made sarcastic gestures.
FA’s Response
- The FA issued a warning to Paqueta, reminding him of his responsibilities.
- They confirmed that no additional sanctions would be imposed for his actions post-red card.
As a result of the red card, Paqueta will miss West Ham’s upcoming match against Manchester United. Despite the warning, the FA stated it “won’t be taking any further action” beyond his current suspension.
Investigation Background
Paqueta’s current struggles stem from a previous investigation into spot-fixing charges. Although cleared of all allegations in July 2023, the Brazilian was initially charged in May after accusations surfaced regarding his intentions to manipulate betting markets.
- The regulatory commission found all four charges “not proven.”
- Had he been found guilty, Paqueta could have faced a lifetime ban.
West Ham’s manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, expressed concern over how the investigation continues to impact Paqueta’s performance. He stated that despite being cleared, Paqueta is still grappling with the emotional toll of the situation.
Emotional Toll
After the charges were dropped, Paqueta’s legal representative shared that he felt “very emotional and very delighted” to have the pressure lifted. His wife has also described the experience as a prolonged nightmare for their family.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges athletes face, both on and off the field. The FA’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professionalism, particularly in high-pressure situations.
