West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta Impacted by Spot-Fixing Probe, Manager Reveals
Lucas Paqueta, West Ham’s midfielder, recently faced serious concerns surrounding a spot-fixing investigation. Initially, he risked a lifetime ban from football due to four charges against him. However, these were ultimately found to be “not proven” by the regulatory commission.
Outcome of the Investigation
After the investigation, Paqueta received a reprimand and a warning regarding his future conduct. His lawyer expressed relief, stating that the midfielder felt “very emotional and very delighted.” She noted that he now has “an enormous weight off his chest” after living with these accusations for two years.
Recent On-Field Incident
In a recent match, Paqueta received two yellow cards in quick succession. This incident occurred during a game against Bournemouth, where he was frustrated by a decision from referee Darren England. The second yellow card followed arguments over a foul awarded against his team with just six minutes left.
Impact of Emotional Stress
This match marked Paqueta’s return after a suspension due to accumulating five yellow cards in the league. He attributed his recent behavior on the field to the emotional toll of the past two years, expressing dissatisfaction with the support offered by the FA during the investigation. Paqueta acknowledged: “I’m sorry if I’m not perfect.”
Support from His Manager
West Ham manager, Nuno, confirmed that Paqueta apologized to him and his teammates after the incident. He remarked that Paqueta is “not OK” and is experiencing disappointment and frustration. Nuno emphasized that Paqueta realizes his mistake and is eager to move forward.
- Paqueta’s recent actions reflect the struggles players face off the field.
- Nuno believes Paqueta will overcome these challenges.
Next Steps for Paqueta
Following his suspension, Paqueta will miss West Ham’s upcoming game against Manchester United. However, he is expected to participate in the match against Brighton on Sunday. Despite ongoing rumors about his future, Nuno reassured fans that Paqueta is “definitely” happy at the club.
