‘FA has let football down’ over latest Lucas Paqueta call at West Ham
The Football Association has “let the game down” after not extending Lucas Paqueta’s one-game ban, according to Keith Hackett.
Paqueta was labelled “absolutely stupid” by Alan Shearer at the weekend for his sending off against Liverpool.
The Brazil international was issued two yellow cards in quick succession by referee Darren England for dissent after a decision went against him.
Paqueta‘s red card came with his side a goal down as West Ham went on to lose 2-0 to Liverpool at the London Stadium.
Keith Hackett wanted longer ban for Lucas Paqueta
Paqueta pointed the blame at the FA for his sending off, with Nuno Espirito Santo elaborating on Tuesday the level of mental anguish being felt by the 28-year-old.
In the view of former PGMOL chief Hackett, Paqueta should have been hit with an extended ban as a result of his petulance.
However, it was confirmed by the FA on Wednesday that Paqueta will escape with just the customary one-match suspension that comes with receiving two yellow cards.
Paqueta has been warned by the FA and reminded of his responsibilities, meaning he will likely be in hot water should there be a repeat.
But Hackett, speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, insists the governing body should have hit the Brazilian harder.
“Paqueta is rather fortunate not to receive an increase in his sanction for his unacceptable act of dissent towards the referee,” Hackett said.
“The disciplinary panel sadly on this occasion has let the game down and our match officials down.
“Did they not witness the continuing dissent by action after this player had received his second yellow for dissent?
“Did they not see his colleagues attempting to pull him away from the scene of the conflict? Did they not see this player showing complete disrespect for the referee Darren Cann by publicly applauding the referee on an ongoing act of dissent.“
Paqueta will now miss West Ham‘s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday.
West Ham outcast could be given a chance in Paqueta’s absence
Many West Ham fans are of the opinion that Paqueta’s doing more harm than good of late right now, having already served one ban this season.
The playmaker is not contributing to the levels expected, and this latest suspension now opens up the door for someone else to come in.
Luis Guilherme may well get the nod from Nuno at Old Trafford, with the Brazilian having started just one league match so far this term.
Something different may well benefit the Irons against a Manchester United side who are there to be beaten.
If Guilherme does indeed get the nod and then impresses, Paqueta’s absence from the starting lineup may well stretch beyond one match anyway.
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