Keith Hackett Exclusive: Premier League review panel needed after Lucas Paqueta incident, suspension possible
Lucas Paqueta has always been a polarising figure at West Ham United.
The Brazilian international is capable of the spectacular, but can also let himself down with silly actions on and off the ball for the Hammers.
West Ham travelled to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, drawing 1-1 with Everton, their first point of the Nuno Espirito Santo era.
The result came as a surprise after West Ham’s terrible start to the season, which saw Graham Potter sacked.
Paqueta, let himself down, however, playacting and holding his face after Vitalii Mykolenko swung an arm at his ribs, which was clearly caught on camera.
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Keith Hackett calls for change
Playacting in the Premier League has become somewhat of a normality in the past few seasons, with players attempting to get the opposition sent off.
Paqueta is no stranger to that, and action could be taken if it continues to happen.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Hackett believes there should be a review panel put in place that can hand out sanctions to those found guilty of simulation.
“Frankly, I do believe that when we see incidents of this nature, where a reaction is created with the intention of deceiving the referee into producing a red card outcome,” he said.
“This type of offence should be reviewed by a post-match review panel who have the authority to suspend players who attempt to deceive the referee.“
In recent seasons, players have overreacted to small collisions in games such as head-to-head contact and kick-outs.
Paqueta was the worst of the bunch on Monday against Everton.
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West Ham changes under Nuno
Nuno made some instant changes to the West Ham side on Monday, leaving James Ward-Prowse out of the squad entirely.
He dropped Ward-Prowse, similar to last season, where the pair worked at Nottingham Forest, with the England international struggling for minutes.
Soungoutou Magassa picked up his first start in Claret and Blue since signing from Monaco in the summer, impressing in midfield.
The 21-year-old impressed defensively, showing why The Hammers signed him.
- Five Recoveries
- 4 duals won
- One block
- One clearance
Hopefully, this can be the start of something really positive at the London Stadium, with Paqueta also being reminded he can’t continue acting like that before possible punishment.
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