Lucas Paqueta releases a furious statement criticising the FA after receiving red card against Liverpool on Sunday.
He took a swipe at the Football Association and accused them of a lack of psychological support when he was accused of spot-fixing.
The West Ham midfielder saying this was a reason for his ‘ridiculous behaviour’ in getting sent off.
The Brazilian was shown a red card in the Hammers’ 2-0 loss against Liverpool at the London Stadium on Sunday, as he was given two yellow cards for dissent including arguing with the referee.
And he took to social media shortly after full-time to say his behaviour was a reflection of what he has had to endure over the past two years.
“It’s ridiculous behaviour” ❌
Lucas Paquetá is SENT OFF for talking himself into a second booking. pic.twitter.com/Hgjy7kBck3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 30, 2025
‘It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation,’ he said in reply to a Sky Sports video of the incident that saw him given his marching orders.
‘Perhaps this ridiculous behavior 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’s statement came after he escaped a lifetime ban for spot-fixing charges. He was accused of four counts of deliberately getting himself booked in matches, a charge that loomed over him until he was cleared earlier this year.
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: ‘I’m not going to comment too much. First of all I’m going to speak to Lucas and try to understand his frustrations and his behaviour.’
Meanwhile, Arne Slot was delighted as Liverpool returned to winning ways after a torrid run of form.
The under-pressure Reds boss said his main emotion was ‘relief’ and thanked the fans for supporting him by singing his name at full-time.
He said: ‘(It means) a lot. It says a lot about the club and fans that they were not only supportive of me but the whole team.
‘If you have such a run of form we are having, and have an away game, and the away end is so full and supports the team from start to finish, including me, that is special.
‘Not only after the 1-0 but 0-0 from start to finish. It tells you this club is always together but maybe even more in difficult moments and they appreciate even more what you have done for the club and support you and that is what makes this club special.
‘To support someone when they are successful is easier than to support someone or a team when things are as tough as they are now.’
Here’s how fans reacted as Lucas Paqueta releases a furious statement criticising the FA after his red card against Liverpool…
@WestHamSocial: You’re a human being with emotions like all of us, and we understand that. But you can’t continue using the betting allegations as a justification for poor conduct. We’ve all supported you, Lucas, but today you’ve let everyone down. You need to come back with a better attitude.
@Dadsourjobtv: Lucas, today was not the day to be selfish. We have lost a club legend today who was discplined and led by example on the pitch for others. although youve endured tough times, you are innocent. Today you are guilty of letting the entire club down by being petulant. Should have walked away and try and salvage a draw as a team… instead you played an individual game and everyone lost.
@Roxburghxo: I think any football fan would know that the first yellow card was absolutely ridiculous and we would ALL be on your side. Your reaction can’t be justified and you should take accountability, we had momentum and your actions cost us. We go again, learn from it and do better ⚒️
@urbankop: Not relevant at all mate. You were in the referees face for 82 seconds on a yellow card, he was nice enough to let you scream at him for 30 seconds never mind over a minute. Nice one for the win x
@RobinNestBCFC: You’re a professional football who should know the rules by now. What you went through must’ve been tough but at the same time it doesn’t excuse this behaviour
@NUFCLC: All I will say is there’s always a reason a player this talented is at West Ham (genuinely no offence meant). Bloke is an absolute prick off the pitch clearly
@FinallyFornals: Lucas you CANNOT be serious? Maybe try apologising to the 60k fans that paid money to come and see us put up a fight against Liverpool. They didn’t pay to see you have a tantrum and ruin any chance we had of grabbing a point.
