Lucas Paqueta reveals who’s really to blame in explosive message after his red card vs Liverpool
Lucas Paqueta has expressed his frustration after he was sent off for West Ham during their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
Goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo secured a first Premier League win since 1 November for the visitors, and also ensured that the Hammers remain outside the relegation zone on goals scored alone.
Paqueta has been torn apart by West Ham fans after he was given his marching orders in the 84th minute, when he was shown a second yellow card for dissent by referee Darren England.
The Brazilian is never too far from controversy in East London, and he has pulled no punches when sharing his thoughts on the incident.
Lucas Paqueta explodes on X at ‘ridiculous’ West Ham red card
Paqueta is a key player for West Ham when he is at the top of his game, but he has been through some difficult spells in recent years.
The midfielder was subject to a two-year investigation from the FA as they delved into potential spot-fixing charges, and while he was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing, it has clearly had a profound effect on him.
Manchester City were lining up an £80million move for him before those issues came to light, but he has since cut a very frustrated figure at the London Stadium since his inquest has come to an end.
That was clear to see once again on Sunday, when he effectively talked himself into a sending off while protesting a decision in the defeat to Liverpool.
Paqueta has now taken to X to share his frustration surrounding his dismissal, and he appears to be blaming the lack of support that he received from the footballing authorities.
“It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation,” the Hammers star wrote.
“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.”
Paqueta outburst may be final straw for him at the Hammers
Paqueta came extremely close to leaving West Ham in the latter stages of the summer transfer window, with Aston Villa even seeing a bid rejected for him.
The ex-Lyon man’s future was one of the major talking points of the summer in E20, and although he chose to stay put on that occasion, this latest incident could now be the final straw.
West Ham were not against cashing in on him this summer, and with Paqueta once again showcasing his somewhat tumultuous attitude this weekend, it would be no surprise to see him moved on in January.
The club will have been keen to both keep hold of him and to support him in recent months, and they have effectively been repaid by an outburst on the pitch in public view.
It is simply not a good look for him at all, and it may ultimately leave the Hammers in a position where they are happy to wash their hands of him in January.