Nuno Espirito Santo: Paqueta 'Suffering' After Red Card

Lucas Paqueta suffers setback after Liverpool defeat

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta is reeling after getting sent off in Sunday's 2-0 Premier League home defeat to Liverpool, according to manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

“He's suffering, he's disappointed, we all are,” Nuno said, summing up the mood in the dressing room...

Nuno Espirito Santo says Lucas Paqueta is “suffering” after getting sent off in West Ham's 2-0 loss to Liverpool. Paqueta was booked twice for dissent within 60 seconds, and despite his teammates trying to calm him down, he continued arguing with the referee and got red-carded.

The Brazilian midfielder was furious with referee Darren England's decisions, but Nuno Espirito Santo is urging him to move on from the incident. “He's suffering, he's disappointed, we all are,” the West Ham manager said.

Paqueta's sending off adds to West Ham's injury woes, with Michail Antonio and James Ward-Prowse already out. The Hammers will have to regroup and prepare for their next match without their influential midfielder.

Lucas Paqueta is speaking out after being sent off in West Ham's 2-0 loss to Liverpool. He's criticizing the Football Association (FA) for not providing psychological support during his spot-fixing investigation, which lasted two years. Paqueta was cleared of the charges in July, but says the ordeal took a toll on his mental health.

Paqueta apologized to his teammates and fans for his behavior, but argued that his actions didn't warrant a red card. He's been booked seven times in 11 Premier League matches this season and will miss West Ham's upcoming game against Manchester United.

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo says Paqueta is “suffering” and disappointed after the incident. “He's not okay, he's suffering. He's disappointed and sad, but he realises the mistake he made, and wants to move forward,” Nuno said.

“I spoke with Lucas and he apologised to his teammates,” Nuno told reporters ahead of West Ham's visit to Manchester United on Thursday.

“He's not okay and he's suffering. He's disappointed and sad but he realises the mistake he made, and wants to move forward. Sometimes people aren't aware of all the problems footballers endure, but Lucas will overcome this situation.”

The manager gives his thoughts on facing Ruben Amorim's Manchester United 💪#TalkingPoint with @LycamobileUK 📞 pic.twitter.com/dFtIv0N27w

— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 2, 2025

Lucas Paqueta is contracted to West Ham until 2027, and manager Nuno Espirito Santo insists he's happy at the club. “He's happy here, he's committed to the team,” Nuno said, putting speculation about Paqueta's future to rest.

Nuno's comments come after Paqueta's red card against Liverpool, and there's been chatter about the midfielder's future. But the West Ham boss is adamant Paqueta's focus is on the club, not elsewhere.

“I think it (the investigation) is affecting him but he is willing to move forward, to try and put this aside and continue to play football in the way that he does,” Nuno said.

“We've had a good conversation. The squad supports Lucas.”

Lucas Paquetá has explained his red card against Liverpool 🟥 pic.twitter.com/TG8UkPCkW4

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) November 30, 2025