Lucas Paqueta causes a stir with a tear outbreak after a yellow card against Tottenham. There is a serious background behind the emotional scene – the Brazilian is suspected of manipulation.
Lucas Paqueta caused a sensation on Sunday at 1-1 between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur with an emotional outbreak.
In the 73rd minute, the Brazilian fouled the trace Youngster Mikey Moore-and broke out in tears after the yellow card that followed. TV pictures showed how the 27-year-old wiped the tears out of his face with his jersey while players tried to comfort him.
Paqueta is suspected of manipulation
The emotional reaction of the midfielder has a serious background: Paqueta has been suspected of deliberately provoking yellow cards in several games since March 2023 – presumably to make profit with manipulated bets.
The case is currently being examined by the English Football Association (FA). A hearing began on March 17, 2024, but has not yet been completed. The investigation was interrupted, and a sequel is only expected in June.
Paquetas woman gives statement
His wife Duda Fournier wrote on Instagram on Sunday evening: “We have been living in this nightmare for two years and my husband is always strong. I only wish people would respect him. People are mean and unfair without knowing anything!”
Particularly bitter: Due to the ongoing investigations, an already advanced move to Manchester City – rained transfer fee was bursting last year: around 82 million euros. Paqueta was also deleted from the Brazilian national squad in autumn 2023.
Trainer expresses himself soberly
Another affected player is Luiz Henrique by Betis Sevilla. At the same time, he is said to have noticed a yellow card strikingly in another game. Both players are said to be involved in the suspicious betting structures via relatives.
West-Ham trainer Graham Potter did not want to attach deeper meaning to the emotional scene of his player on Sunday: “In my view, there is no problem. Players are only sometimes upset if things don’t go as they wish. But he recovers well. He is not a problem.”