Alex Crook: Lucas Paqueta in ‘sinister’ allegations as West Ham United star charged by FA
Lucas Paqueta’s betting breaches at West Ham could be “more sinister” than Ivan Toney and Sandro Tonali’s bans after being charged by The FA, Alex Crook has said.
The FA confirmed [23 May] that the Hammers midfielder has been charged with four cases of misconduct, with it being alleged that the player got himself purposely booked in matches.
These incidents are said to have taken place against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023 in the Premier League.
Discussing the potential punishments, Crook said live via talkSPORT on Thursday (23 May, 4:10pm): “It’s difficult because each case is taken on its own merit. There were a lot of charges with Ivan Toney, and Sandro Tonali over in Italy, who admitted to making a number of bets.
“At the moment we’re only looking at four matches, but the difference here is that Paqueta, who is innocent until proven guilty as there is no proof, this is an accusation of him getting booked on purpose.
“Toney and Tonali bet on the outcomes of matches. Yes, Tonali bet on his own team, we know he placed bets on Newcastle United, but he was betting on them to win. These allegations appear a little bit more sinister.”
Lucas Paqueta punishment mooted as The FA charge West Ham United star
As Crook suggests, Paqueta’s incidents seem far more “sinister” than Toney or Tonali’s charges, who were both found guilty of breaching betting rules.
However, having bet on their team rather than on themselves in the game, it is understandable why the reporter thinks Paqueta could be in very hot water over this specific set of circumstances.
Reacting to the news instantly, the 27-year-old has already waved away the allegations and claims his innocence, which could be a good sign heading into the 2024/25 campaign.
Of course, with Julen Lopetegui coming into the club as the new head coach, he will be keen for all controversy to be gone before the next season starts, especially when it concerns one of his biggest stars.
Paqueta, obviously, seems to be very upset by the charges brought against him by The FA, and if he has done nothing wrong, he should have nothing to worry about as the situation continues to develop.
The Hammers ace has until 3 June to respond to the charges, by which time, all football fans will have learned the trust behind the ongoing investigation at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, a decision is due today as the Hammers close in on a new transfer.
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