Lucas Paquetá Slams FA Over ‘Ridiculous’ Liverpool Red Card

West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá has publicly criticized the Football Association (FA) regarding his recent red card during the match against Liverpool. He referred to the card as “ridiculous,” reflecting on the challenges he has faced over the past two years.

Background of the Incident

Paquetá’s red card stemmed from two yellow cards for dissent during West Ham’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. The match took place on November 30, 2025. Referee Darren England officiated the incident, which has drawn significant media attention.

Previous Controversies

This red card follows Paquetá’s recent struggles with the FA. Earlier in the year, he was exonerated from four spot-fixing charges after a protracted investigation. These allegations involved accusations of intentionally accumulating yellow cards in matches from November 2022 to August 2023.

Player’s Reaction

• In a social media statement, Paquetá expressed his frustration, stating it is “ridiculous” for his life and career to be impacted without psychological support.
• He emphasized his feelings of being unjustly portrayed as a villain and acknowledged the mental health struggles he faces.
• Despite his feelings, Paquetá apologized for his actions on the pitch, recognizing the impact on his teammates and fans.

Comments from Former Players

Former West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green deemed the red card “completely irresponsible,” underscoring the broader discourse regarding officiating decisions in football.

Next Steps for West Ham

Following the match, West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo chose not to comment on the red card until he has a chance to meet with Paquetá. The outcome of the game left West Ham positioned precariously in 17th place in the Premier League, intensifying pressure on the team to perform.

FA’s Response

As of now, the FA has yet to respond to the criticisms and concerns raised by Paquetá regarding his treatment and the circumstances surrounding the recent officiating decision.

Paquetá’s situation remains a focal topic in discussions about player welfare and mental health in sports, highlighting the importance of support systems within football organizations.