Harry Redknapp reacts to Lucas Paqueta spot-fixing charge at West Ham United
Harry Redknapp believes it would be a “massive blow” for West Ham if the “outstanding” Lucas Paqueta were to be found guilty of spot-fixing.
Paqueta has been charged by the FA with four instances of spot-fixing, which could see the midfielder handed a lifetime ban from football if found guilty.
While speaking live on talkSPORT (8:44 am, 24 May), ex-West Ham boss Redknapp has suggested that the club could struggle without the Brazillian, who denies the charges against him.
Redknapp said, “He is in big trouble if that is what he has done.
“It is all very strange, the money he is earning he doesn’t need to be involved in that type of stuff. It doesn’t make sense to me.
“It would be a massive blow to his career and West Ham. He is an outstanding player. It is a strange one, but obviously, it sends out the wrong message.”
West Ham United might need to replace Lucas Paqueta
This scandal is centred around Paqueta.
With talk of lifetime bans, it is of course the player himself who would suffer most from any punishment.
However, West Ham could also be negatively impacted by the outcome of the investigation.
If Paqueta does face a lengthy ban from football, then not only will he not be able to play for the Hammers, but they also won’t be able to sell him.
Having invested a considerable amount of money into the player, it would therefore represent a massive loss for the club off the pitch as well as on it.
It remains to be seen what would happen to the player’s contract, but it isn’t far-fetched to suggest it would be ripped up and thrown out.
Therefore, while Paqueta will be keeping his fingers crossed that he isn’t found guilty, the Hammers will also be desperate for the outcome of the investigation to swing in their favour.
In other West Ham news, the club will be offered the opportunity to sign a Chelsea forward.
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