‘Get the hell out’ – PGMOL expert blames Darren England as Lucas Paqueta faces extended ban
Darren England must shoulder part of the blame after Lucas Paqueta talked himself into a red card during West Ham’s defeat to Liverpool.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Paqueta’s red card for dissent was easily avoidable on Sunday, 30 November.
Emotions were clearly high as the Hammers lost 2-0 to the out-of-form Reds, having put in a strong display at the London Stadium before two second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.
It was only a one-goal game when the Brazilian was handed his marching orders by the referee, having charged into Dominik Szoboszlai before arguing the case to earn him two bookings in quick succession.
Lucas Paqueta lashes out after decision goes against the West Ham star
Due to his recent history of betting allegations, Paqueta blamed the FA for his outburst against Liverpool, labelling the entire ordeal as “ridiculous” in a social media rant after full-time.
Supporters have also suggested that Jarrod Bowen could have done more as captain, but the West Ham playmaker will now be unavailable, and his ban could be extended after sarcastically applauding the decision.
The 28-year-old had only just returned from suspension, having picked up five yellow cards in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, leaving supporters extremely frustrated.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side had multiple chances to take at least a point against Arne Slot‘s team, but after the sending-off, the Reds were always going to see out the victory away from Anfield.
Darren England could be at fault after the Paqueta saga vs Liverpool
Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “Self-discipline is so important in a referee and a player. He’s clearly dissenting, but it does take two to form an argument.
“The referee hangs around. Give him a yellow card, then get the hell out of there. He’s not going to continue the argument if he’s not there. What you do is run alongside the captain, once the game has restarted, and tell him to calm the player down.
“The referee just stands there, handing out the yellow before another one. Then what you see is the player applauding the referee. He’s going to get an additional sanction for that.“