Paqueta warned but avoids extended ban for dissent

Lucas Paqueta, a West Ham midfielder, has received a warning about his behavior, but the Football Association will extend his ban after his foul play against Liverpool.

Referee Darren England quickly issued the 28-year-old two yellow cards for disapproval during West Ham’s 2-0 home defeat on Sunday. For a decision to punish his team for consistently arguing, a punishment was given.

Before leaving the field, the Brazilian argued with officials and sarcastically applauded England’s decision.

The FA issued a warning and reminder of Lucas Paqueta’s responsibilities for the on-field incident that followed his red card against Liverpool on Sunday, November 30 as a guideline, according to the FA.

The FA said it won’t be taking any further action, but Paqueta will receive a ban for his dismissal, which will keep him out of Thursday’s game against Manchester United.

Following the defeat at Anfield, Paqueta remarked that his actions were “a reflection of everything I have endured,” in reference to the FA’s investigation into spot-fixing allegations in 2024.

In July of this year, an independent regulatory commission found Paqueta innocent of the charges.

In May of that year, he was accused of being allegedly booked “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market.”

If Paqueta was found guilty, the regulatory commission determined that the four charges against him were “not proven.” However, he was subject to a lifetime ban from football.

After failing to follow the investigation, he received reprimands and cautions about how he should act in the future.

After accumulating five yellow cards in the league, Paqueta missed the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth because he had already been suspended for one game on Sunday.

Nuno Espirito Santo, manager of West Ham, stated that Paqueta remained impacted by the investigation and charges despite being cleared after the club’s defeat by Liverpool.

He is willing to move forward and try to put this aside and play football the way he does, Nuno said.

His lawyer told the BBC that Paqueta was “very emotional and very delighted” and had “an enormous weight off his chest” when he was cleared of the charges.