West Ham United: Fans told to ease criticism of ‘petulant’ Lucas Paqueta after what he did
Frank McAvennie has told West Ham fans to ease their criticism of Lucas Paqueta after a couple of “petulant” incidents against Fulham and Bayer Leverkusen.
Paqueta has picked up a couple of cards in recent games for cynical fouls, but McAvennie insisted fans should focus on the good he provides to the team rather than the negative moments.
The Brazilian’s yellow card for a late challenge in Germany ruled him out of the crucial second leg, while there were calls for him to be sent off after an aggressive swipe against Fulham.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – suggested the fans were just letting their frustration out on Paqueta due to the way the team has been playing.
“He’s such a talented player and I get why the fans are talking about him being petulant, but I’d cut him some slack. I think he’s done more good for us than bad,” McAvennie shared.
“I understand where the fans are coming from, they’re just having a go at everybody at the moment because of the way the team’s playing but it’s not really the player’s fault.”
Lucas Paqueta criticised after what he did with West Ham
The incidents mentioned before both saw Paqueta pick up cautions in unnecessary circumstances, leading some sections of the fanbase to question his attitude while the team’s form has taken a dive in recent weeks after consecutive defeats.
Similarities can be drawn with his performance for Brazil as they faced England at Wembley. It was a fantastic display for the midfielder, but he was booked for several late and heavy challenges in the friendly clash.
Perhaps his aggression on the field comes as a by-product of his talent and the fans should accept that he will occasionally pick up silly bookings, but as McAvennie said, cut him some slack because he will do more good than bad.
Paqueta may not be at the London Stadium for longer amid transfer interest from the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid, so West Ham fans should make the most of his performances while he is still representing the claret and blue.
In other West Ham news, a new Jarrod Bowen injury update has emerged.
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