West Ham United have pledged to support Lucas Paquetá after the Brazilian midfielder launched a social media outburst following his red card in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. Paquetá was sent off after receiving two yellow cards for dissent within seconds from referee Darren England, with both sets of players attempting to calm him before he returned to confront the official.
The 28-year-old, who was cleared of FA spot-fixing charges in July after a two-year investigation, posted on X in Portuguese: 'I understand that now I have to come across as the villain; it’s hard to live with everything that’s been caused in my life and in my psyche!' He later added in English: 'It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation.'
West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo said he would speak privately with Paquetá before commenting further. 'I want to have a private conversation, to try to understand. I think it’s unfair not to make any kind of comment without a chance to speak with him,' he said after the match.
The club are expected to offer Paquetá psychological support, with sources indicating they are aware of the strain he has endured during the FA investigation, which also stalled a potential £70m move to Manchester City in 2023.
