Lucas Paqueta was caught in controversy for West Ham v Aston Villa [Credit: BBC Sport]

Premier League make official statement on Aston Villa v West Ham controversy

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Published on:

26 Jan 2025, 12:21 pm

The Premier League have released a statement after Lucas Digne avoided a red card for Aston Villa against West Ham on Sunday.

Digne appeared to swing an elbow at Lucas Paqueta at Villa Park on 26 January, but the officials decided it did not class as violent conduct against the Brazilian.

Jacob Ramsey put the home side ahead in the Premier League clash, with Graham Potter's side struggling to create chances with a lack of strikers available.

The Premier League Match Centre wrote on X: "The referee’s call of no red card to Digne was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed that his action was not violent conduct."

Lucas Paqueta controversy at West Ham

Wherever there is controversy, Paqueta is never usually far away.

The Brazilian was in constant battles with Digne throughout the first hour of the game, and both of their actions were not exactly courageous.

Paqueta may have gone down far too easily in this incident, but the defender did swing his elbow back and you have never been able to do that.

On the other hand, Digne went down with a scream that could be heard back in London after Paqueta later stepped on his toe.

West Ham and Brazil's Lucas Paqueta

Graham Potter is relying on the likes of Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen once he returns from injury, so the last thing he needs is any pointless punishments on the pitch.

VAR did check this incident but decided there wasn't enough to overturn it and now it is time for the Samba star to do his talking on the pitch and rescue some points.

In other West Ham news, the Irons have a transfer for a surprise defender on the cards.

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