West Ham's Paqueta in Tears After Yellow Card in Spurs Draw

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta bursts into tears after being booked in 1-1 draw with Tottenham, amid uncertainty over his future due to betting charges.

Lucas Paqueta disputed the yellow card, gesturing with his arms in protest, before television footage showed him wiping away a tear. Referee Michael Oliver cautioned him about his behavior, while his teammates attempted to calm him down.

Lucas Paqueta was brought to tears after receiving a yellow card against Spurs 🟨

The Brazilian midfielder is still awaiting the outcome of the FA hearing into allegations he deliberately got himself booked in four matches, which he denies. pic.twitter.com/Z7vwVOCCqo

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) May 4, 2025

Lucas Paqueta, 27, is awaiting the outcome of a Football Association hearing regarding alleged spot-fixing charges, which could result in a lifetime ban if found guilty of deliberately receiving four yellow cards for betting purposes. Paqueta has denied the allegations.

West Ham manager Graham Potter attributed Paqueta's emotional reaction to frustration, saying, “I think he’s just a player that's trying his absolute best and wants the situation to be better and probably got a bit frustrated with the action.”

'You see a human being who's probably not perfect... I love Lucas' ❤️

Graham Potter reveals why Lucas Paqueta was moved to tears after copping a yellow against Spurs. pic.twitter.com/DBpQhwS8VN

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) May 5, 2025

Graham Potter expressed his support for Paqueta, saying, “And then you see a human being, not perfect, but I love Lucas. He's given everything and in difficult circumstances he's in as well. He's given everything and he's absolutely fine now.”

Paqueta faces a prolonged wait for the case's resolution, with the hearing expected to conclude no earlier than June due to its complexity. The independent panel adjourned proceedings in March, unable to finalize the case at that time.