‘He is suffering’ – Nuno Espirito Santo reveals Lucas Paqueta’s internal reaction to red card vs Liverpool
Lucas Paqueta was inexplicably sent off during West Ham’s defeat to Liverpool after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.
Liverpool beat West Ham 2-0 at the London Stadium on Sunday, but the big talking point around the game was the manner of the Brazilian’s dismissal.
With less than ten minutes remaining, the midfielder, clearly upset about Darren England’s decision to award the visitors a free-kick, quickly confronted the referee.
Paqueta received a booking for his actions, but continued his protests and was given a second yellow card moments later, despite being warned.
Lucas Paqueta apologises to West Ham teammates
After the game, Paqueta addressed his sending off on social media, citing the psychological effects of his long-running legal case as a potential reason behind his outburst.
The Hammers star called out the lack of support from the FA, and argued that his “ridiculous behaviour” was a reflection of everything he has had to go through.
Paqueta was under investigation for spot-fixing charges for almost two years, but was recently cleared of any wrongdoing.
Speaking to the media ahead of West Ham’s upcoming Premier League game against Manchester United on Thursday, Nuno Espirito Santo revealed that the midfielder is “suffering”.
He said: “I spoke with Lucas, and he spoke not only with me but with all his teammates. First of all, he apologised. He’s aware of his mistake.
“He is not OK. He is suffering. He is disappointed and upset. But he realises the mistake that he has made, and he is willing to move forward. Sometimes, people are not aware of the problems that football players endure. But Lucas, I think, is going to overcome this situation.”
Lucas Paqueta suspended for West Ham vs Man United
West Ham go into Thursday’s game against Man United as big underdogs and will have to try and get a result at Old Trafford without the help of Paqueta.
The 28-year-old will be suspended for one match after his sending off at home to Liverpool, so he will be available for selection again when the Hammers travel to Brighton at the weekend.
West Ham are only out of the Premier League relegation zone on goals scored as it stands, so they will be desperate to take something out of the Man United game.
Nuno’s side are level on points and goal difference with 18th-placed Leeds, but have found the net 15 times, compared to Daniel Farke’s side, who have only scored 13.
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