View 2 ImagesLucas Paqueta was shown a red card by referee Darren England during West Ham’s defeat to Liverpool. (Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
West Ham player Lucas Paqueta has broken his silence on social media after he was sent-off during the club’s 2-0 defeat against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, potentially risking a further ban as a result of his outburst.
The Hammers had been on something of a resurgent run of form following the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo to replace Graham Potter at the end of September. His team were unbeaten in their previous three matches, which included wins over Burnleyand Newcastle, as well as a draw against Bournemouth.
Despite the visitors being on a dreadful run of form heading into the showdown at the London Stadium – having lost nine of their previous 12 games in all competitions – it was a huge step in the right direction for Arne Slot‘s squad. After a goalless first half, Alexander Isak opened the scoring with his first Premier League goal for the Reds following his deadline day move to Anfield from Newcastle.
That was when disaster struck for West Ham. Despite showing some positive signs after going behind, Paqueta’s red card blew the wind out of their sails – and Cody Gakpo went on to score Liverpool’s second in stoppage time.
The Brazilian player had returned to the West Ham line-up having just served a one-game suspension for accruing five yellow cards this campaign. With a little over 10 minutes left to play, he was left furious when a foul was given against his teammate Niclas Fullkrug.
Paqueta directed his frustrations towards referee on-field Darren England, despite attempts from his teammates – and even Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson – to restrain him.
View 2 ImagesLucas Paqueta has posted an outburst on social media after his red card.(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
He did not calm down, however, and was consequently shown two yellow cards in quick succession, for dissent. He sarcastically applauded as he made his way off the pitch.
Given how needless the sending-off was, the attacking midfielder faced criticism on social media following the incident. That was criticism he didn’t take kindly to, either, as he released a statement on social media platform X after the game.
“It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation,” Paqueta wrote. “Perhaps this ridiculous behavior 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.”
The 28-year-old is, of course, referring to the FA’s two-year investigation into spot-fixing charges. He was in turn cleared in July by an independent regulatory commission, avoiding a lifetime ban in the process.
As a result of his red card, Paqueta will now miss West Ham’s trip to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in midweek. Given it was two yellow cards, he should be available for selection again next weekend when they take on Brighton away from home.