Oliver Holt accuses Lucas Paqueta of ‘cheating’ for West Ham United
Lucas Paqueta should receive a retrospective three-game ban following an incident with James Milner in West Ham United’s 3-1 victory over Brighton, according to Oliver Holt.
The Daily Mail reporter claimed in the paper’s print edition (29 August, pg 63) that while he was happy for the Hammers and manager David Moyes, the one “sour note” of the clash was the Brazilian’s theatrics after clutching his face when Milner merely “brushed against his arm”.
Holt has called for retrospective action as Paqueta did not face any punishment on the day, noting that “cheating like that has no place in the game”.
Holt said: “I am delighted that West Ham have made such a brilliant start to the season and I am particularly delighted for their manager David Moyes.
“He struck a blow for his talent and reputation when his team outplayed Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton, a team and a manager who anyone who loves the game has come to admire.
“There was just one sour note: when Lucas Paqueta fell to the ground clutching his face, after James Milner’s arm brushed against his arm, but escaped punishment. Amid all the debate about changed rules, I would like to see Paqueta hit with a retrospective three-game ban for what he did.
“Cheating like that has no place in the game”.
Make an example
Theatrics on the football pitch continues to be commonplace. While on paper it could seem harmless, attempts to deceive the referee should be taken seriously.
Paqueta’s ‘injury’ by Milner was particularly exaggerated. Milner very lightly grazed the Brazilian’s shoulder as the pair chased the ball down.
Onlookers could be forgiven for thinking Paqueta has been struck violently by Milner based on his response, but on closer inspection, the Brazilian was clearly attempting to win an unfair free kick.
While a three-match ban feels slightly harsh, examples need to be set to weed this type of behaviour out. Paqueta only did not because he thought he could get away with it, and he did.
Retrospective action would be a good way to stop such poor sportsmanship. While a referee is unlikely to spot everything on the pitch in a game as it happens, there would be plenty of footage of any incident that happens.
If the clubs or the fanbase single out an incident that they deem to be unfair, the authorities should take all reasonable action to determine a punishment.
Paqueta’s actions on the day did not influence the outcome of the game. West Ham were lethal on the counter-attack and soaked up the vast Brighton pressure excellently. However, if a similar incident happened in the penalty area or caused a red card, then the subsequent outrage would be much louder.
In other West Ham news, a Hammers striker is likely to depart the London Stadium this summer.