Lucas Paqueta Blasts FA For Lack Of Support After Red Card Following Spot-Fixing Probe: 'Come Across As The Villain'

Last Updated:December 01, 2025, 08:03 IST

Lucas Paqueta slams the Football Association after his red card in West Ham United's loss to Liverpool, citing emotional strain from a two-year spot-fixing probe.

West Ham United mid-fielder Lucas Paqueta (AP)

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has fiercely criticised the Football Association following his red card in his team’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday. Using social media, he expressed the emotional toll he has endured over the past two years. The Brazilian received two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent at the London Stadium and took the opportunity to not only react to his dismissal but also to highlight the FA’s lack of psychological support during his prolonged spot-fixing investigation.

Paqueta was under suspicion for two years, accused of intentionally getting booked in four Premier League matches for betting-related reasons. Despite being fully cleared on July 31, the investigation damaged his reputation and scuppered a major career move, with a proposed transfer to Manchester City falling through due to the ongoing probe. Throughout, Paqueta has maintained his innocence, denying any wrongdoing and facing the threat of a lifetime ban before the case was dismissed.

‘Ridiculous Behaviour’

The emotional strain of the ordeal surfaced following his red card on Sunday. Responding to Sky Sports coverage, where co-commentator Rob Green called his actions “ridiculous behaviour," Paqueta hit back.

He posted on X, saying, “It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation. Perhaps this ridiculous behaviour is just a reflection of everything I’ve had to endure and, it seems, have to continue enduring! I’m sorry if I’m not perfect."

‘Hard To Live With Everything’

He further acknowledged in another post that his reaction on the pitch was inappropriate but insisted that the scrutiny and emotional pressure he has been under were significant factors in his lapse of composure.

“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! I’ll keep trying to ensure they don’t affect me even more. This doesn’t justify my expulsion and that’s why I apologise to the fans and my teammates."

Although cleared of all allegations, Paqueta continues to feel the lingering effects of the investigation — frustration, disappointment, and a sense of abandonment by the governing body.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

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News sports football Lucas Paqueta Blasts FA For Lack Of Support After Red Card Following Spot-Fixing Probe: 'Come Across As The Villain'

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