Brazilian midfielder says he received no psychological support during two-year spot-fixing case as frustration spills over after Liverpool defeat.
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá has launched a strong criticism of football authorities after he was sent off during his team’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool. The midfielder, who spent two years under a Football Association investigation for alleged spot-fixing before being cleared in July, said the case left a deep impact on his mental wellbeing.
Paquetá received two yellow cards in quick succession late in the match, both for dissent, after confronting referee Darren England. Players from both teams tried to intervene, but the midfielder returned to protest again and was dismissed. His reaction appeared to come from a place of long-building frustration, with the player saying the past two years have affected him both personally and professionally.
In a message posted online after the match, Paquetá said he has struggled with the pressure around the case and criticised what he described as a lack of psychological support from football officials. The investigation also stalled a possible £70 million move to Manchester City in 2023, leaving the midfielder in a long period of uncertainty.
Paquetá apologised to his teammates and fans for the red card but said his actions reflected the strain he had endured. The dismissal left West Ham a man down, and Liverpool soon doubled their lead to secure the victory.
After the match, West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo said it is difficult to compete with a team like Liverpool while down to 10 players. He declined to make detailed comments until he had spoken privately with Paquetá.
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