West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) for allegedly getting booked deliberately “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market”.
He categorically denies any wrongdoing and “will continue to robustly defend his position”, according to West Ham.
The four alleged breaches relate to his conduct in West Ham’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on November 12, 2022, Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, Leeds United on May 21, 2023, and Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.
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The Athletic has looked back at the four yellow cards in question…
Bournemouth v West Ham, August 12, 2023
Yellow card in 93rd minute
Following a goal kick from Alphonse Areola, Paqueta contests a header but ends up punching the ball. The midfielder was cautioned and replaced by Maxwel Cornet shortly afterwards.
Paqueta committed four fouls at Bournemouth. The day after, the FA was informed of an anti-corruption alert by integrity officials.
West Ham v Leeds United, May 21, 2023
Yellow card in 65th minute
Paqueta was the only West Ham player to be cautioned in this match.
Just after the hour-mark, the Brazil international attempts to regain possession from Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.
Paqueta fouls the forward, although he is not cautioned by referee Peter Bankes — who gives the midfielder a warning.
Four minutes later, in a similar area of the pitch, Paqueta tracks Crysencio Summerville’s run.
Paqueta shoves the winger as he tries to launch a counter and is booked.
The playmaker helped his team seal a 3-1 victory following his assist to Manuel Lanzini four minutes into second-half stoppage time.
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West Ham v Aston Villa, March 12, 2023
Yellow card in 70th minute
Just before half-time, Paqueta makes a sliding tackle on Ollie Watkins near the technical area. Paqueta doesn’t win the ball and Aston Villa manager Unai Emery complains to the referee Chris Kavanagh, but he does not caution the playmaker.
After the hour-mark, Douglas Luiz is in possession and Paqueta attempts to win the ball.
But Paqueta ends up fouling his opponent. Kavanagh once again keeps his cards in his pocket.
But less than 30 seconds later, Paqueta chases John McGinn, who advances.
The Brazil international makes a lunging challenge and receives a booking. Emiliano Buendia, McGinn’s team-mate (No 10), complains to the referee.
Paqueta was substituted in the 77th minute. But instead of acknowledging West Ham manager David Moyes and his backroom staff, the midfielder walked straight down the tunnel.
“He wanted to stay on, which I understand, but I’ve explained to him why (I took him off),” said Moyes. “The biggest thing is I didn’t want him to get sent off, which would have meant he would be suspended.
“We need him and also, it was getting to the stage in the game when fresh legs like Pablo Fornals and Maxwel Cornet could continue to run in behind them if we had the chances. That was the thinking.”
West Ham v Leicester City, November 12, 2022
Booking: Yellow card in 60th minute
Paqueta is cautioned following a foul on Leicester City midfielder Boubakary Soumare.
Later, Paqueta is perhaps fortunate to remain on the field when he makes a sliding tackle on second-half substitute Wilfred Ndidi. Referee Jarred Gillett opts not to give the midfielder a second yellow.
The Brazil international has not been sent off since receiving two yellow cards while playing for Ligue 1 side Lyon against Marseille in February 2021.