West Ham Boss: Paqueta 'Not OK' and 'Suffering' After Red Card

Referee Darren England shows Lucas Paqueta a red card during West Ham's defeat to Liverpool. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Getty Images

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed that Lucas Paqueta is "not OK" and "suffering" following his red card in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. The Brazil international has apologized to teammates and will miss Thursday's Premier League clash against Manchester United due to the dismissal.

Paqueta's red card came after he argued with referee Darren England during the Liverpool match. The 28-year-old midfielder initially received a yellow card for protestations before being sent off for continuing the dispute with the official.

Social Media Outburst

Following his dismissal, Paqueta took to social media to criticize the Football Association, linking his behavior to a prolonged investigation he endured. Quote-tweeting a Sky Sports clip, he wrote: «It's ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation. 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.»

In a separate Portuguese post, Paqueta acknowledged his role as the perceived villain, writing: «I understand that now I have to come across as the villain; it's hard to live with everything that's been caused in my life and in my psyche! I'll keep trying to ensure they don't affect me even more. This doesn't justify my expulsion, and for that I apologise to the fans and my team-mates!»

Manager's Support

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Manchester United game, Nuno confirmed Paqueta had made amends with the squad. «I spoke to Lucas, and he spoke not only with me but with all his team-mates,» the West Ham boss said. «First of all, he apologised. He's aware of his mistake but we, as a club first and foremost, protect our own and solve things among ourselves.»

Nuno described the player's current mental state in concerning terms: «He's not okay. He's suffering. He's disappointed. He's sad. He's realised the mistake that he's made and he's going to look to move forward.»

The manager emphasized the club's commitment to supporting Paqueta: «What I can assure you is that here at the club we have all the support that the players need. We have processes in the club that help and we are willing to provide assistance here in the club.»

Background Investigation

Paqueta's outburst relates to a nearly two-year FA investigation into spot-fixing charges, from which he was cleared in July. The prolonged investigation appears to have taken a significant toll on the midfielder's mental health, with Nuno acknowledging its ongoing impact: «I think it [the investigation] is affecting him but he is willing to move forward, to try and put this aside and continue to play football in the way that he does.»

The manager stressed that while Paqueta will miss Thursday's match at Old Trafford due to suspension, «he will be involved in the next one» against Brighton. Nuno also dismissed previous transfer speculation linking Paqueta to Manchester City, stating: «I think that is over. It is finished, that is clear.»

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).