West Ham's Paqueta Lashes Out at FA Over Psychological Support

Lucas Paqueta furious with FA after red card in Liverpool defeat
 

Lucas Paqueta slams the FA for failing to provide psychological support during his spot-fixing investigation.

“This does not justify my expulsion and for that I apologize to the fans and my teammates...”

Lucas Paqueta is furious with the Football Association (FA) after being sent off in West Ham's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. He claims the FA failed to provide him with psychological support during the lengthy spot-fixing investigation that lasted two years. Paqueta was cleared of four spot-fixing charges earlier this year, but he believes the ordeal took a toll on his mental health.

The Brazilian midfielder received two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent, leading to his dismissal late in the game. In a post on X, Paqueta expressed his frustration, saying, “It's ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation.” He apologized to teammates and fans, but argued his actions didn't warrant a red card.

Paqueta's investigation began in August 2023, and he was charged with deliberately seeking bookings in four Premier League games. The allegations caused significant stress, and a potential transfer to Manchester City was scrapped. The FA acknowledged the “mental stress” Paqueta suffered, but Paqueta feels more support was needed.

“It's ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation,” Paqueta posted on X.

“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.”

Lucas Paqueta responded to criticism over his behavior, describing it as “ridiculous.” He apologized to teammates and fans, but defended his actions, arguing they didn't warrant a red card.

“I understand that now I have to look like the villain, it's difficult to live with everything that has been caused in my life and in my psyche!” his translated Portuguese post said. “I will continue trying to prevent them from affecting me even more.

“This does not justify my expulsion and for that I apologize to the fans and my teammates!”

🚨Lucas Paqueta's reaction to being sent off against Liverpool🎤:

"It's ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation. Perhaps this ridiculous behavior is just a reflection of everything I've had to endure… pic.twitter.com/lisC7J8Ugo

— KILOWI BLOG ⚽🏀🥊 (@larry_graphics_) November 30, 2025

Lucas Paqueta was cleared of spot-fixing charges on July 31st, after being accused of deliberately getting booked in four Premier League games. The charges, which he denied, could've led to a lifetime ban. The games in question were against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth, between Nov 2022 and Aug 2023.

Defeat to Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/GPMRZlMZiA

— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 30, 2025