Lucas Paqueta ‘suffering and sad’ after West Ham red card vs Liverpool – Nuno Espirito Santo
West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta is “sad” and “suffering” following his red card in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by Liverpool, according to head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
The 28-year-old was shown two quick yellow cards, followed by a red, for dissent. Club captain Jarrod Bowen, team-mate Matheus Fernandes and Liverpool’s fellow Brazil international Allison attempted to defuse the situation, but Paqueta continued to protest to referee Darren England.
Paqueta will be suspended for Thursday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester United. The Brazilian missed the 2-2 draw away to Bournemouth through suspension, having received his fifth caution of the season in the 3-2 home win against Burnley.
“I spoke with Lucas and he apologised to his team-mates,” Nuno said on Tuesday ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.
“He is aware of his mistakes but as a club we protect our own. We solved things among ourselves and it is clear that everyone understood mistakes can happen on a football pitch. Sometimes you can’t control your emotions and people deserve a chance.
“He’s not okay and he’s suffering. He’s disappointed and sad but he realises the mistake he made, and wants to move forward. Sometimes people aren’t aware of all the problems footballers endure, but Lucas will overcome this situation.”
Paqueta, the club record €60million (£52m; $69m) signing from Lyon in August 2022, tried to justify his actions his post-match on social media by posting: “Perhaps this ridiculous behavior 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.”
Paqueta, whose contract expires in 2027, was denied a big-money switch to Manchester City following the launch of a Football Association spot-fixing investigation in August 2023. He was cleared in July following a two-year investigation.
Although the Brazilian faces an uncertain future ahead of the January transfer window, Nuno is not worried about a potential departure.
“I think it (the ordeal of the investigation) is affecting him, but he’s willing to move forward, play football the way he does, and to put it to one side,” said Nuno. “Here at the club we offer and give all the support the players need.
“We’ve had a good conversation the squad supports Lucas. Definitely, I think he is happy here.”
