‘It’s ridiculous’ – Lucas Paqueta calls out broadcaster in two shock statements over red card

Lucas Paqueta appeared to take aim at Sky Sports and the FA as he released two statements following his red card against Liverpool.

The West Ham midfielder was dismissed by referee Darren England for dissent during the second half.

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Paqueta was shown two yellow cards in a matter of seconds after furiously confronting the official.

He had initially been cautioned for a foul on Dominik Szoboszlai before protesting against the decision.

Despite his team-mates and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson trying to pull him away from England, Paqueta continued his outburst in front of the referee.

The 28-year-old was then shown a second yellow, followed by a red, as the Hammers were forced to play the closing stages with tenmen.

Paqueta’s rant

During Sky Sports’ coverage of the match, Paqueta’s antics were labelled ‘ridiculous’ by the commentators.

Those comments were included as footage of the incident was posted to the broadcasters social media accounts.

Paqueta responded to the video on X, writing: “It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation.

“Perhaps this ridiculous behaviour is just a reflection of everything I’ve had to endure and, it seems, have to continue enduring! I’m sorry if I’m not perfect.”

Meanwhile, a separate statement in Portuguese read: “I understand that now I have to come across as the villain.

“It’s hard to live with everything that was caused in my life and in my psyche!

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“I’ll keep trying to ensure they don’t affect me even more. This doesn’t justify my expulsion and that’s why I apologise to the fans and my teammates!”

Paqueta was cleared of spot-fixing charges by the FA in July following a two-year investigation.

The Hammers star had been accused of purposely getting booked in four separate Premier League matches.

Paqueta had faced a lengthy ban if found guilty of the charges, but was cleared by an independent regulatory commission.

His appearance on Sunday followed a one-match suspension for receiving five yellow cards in the Premier League.

Nuno Espirito Santo was without Paqueta for last weekend’s draw at Bournemouth as a result of the ban.

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He will now be suspended for their trip to Manchester United on Thursday night.

Groves on Paqueta’s red card

Paqueta’s behaviour leading to his red card was also slammed live on talkSPORT by Perry Groves.

The Arsenal legend was on commentary when he said: “It’s brainless from Paqueta. He’s sarcastically clapping everybody. He’s sarcastically clapping referee Darren England.

“To be fair to Darren England, he didn’t get his yellow card out straight away.

“Paqueta kept going at him, he’s called the captain over, and still kept going at him.

“So Paqueta left Darren England no choice whatsoever to say, ‘Get away from me., what you’re shouting and screaming in my ear, I don’t want to hear it.’

“Now Paqueta has let his West Ham teammates and fans down. He’s lost his head completely.”

West Ham had been trailing 1-0 at the time, with Cody Gakpo adding a second for the Reds in stoppage time.

It is the fourth red card of Paqueta’s club career and his first for the Hammers.

His last sending off had been whilst playing for Lyon in Ligue 1 back in 2021.