Paqueta apologises after red card in West Ham v Liverpool, accuses FA of failing to provide psychological support

West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta received a mindless red card late in the game against Liverpool at the London Stadium, leaving the Hammers with an uphill battle.

West Ham were already a goal down, and the sending off only further weakened their resolve, allowing Liverpool to score the second and leave East London with a 2-0 win.

Paqueta received a card for dissent but continued demonstrating dramatically in the face of the referee before Darren England gave him his marching orders.

Paqueta took to social media to apologise for his actions.

However, he also accused the football association (FA) of failing to provide psychological support during the investigation into his spot-fixing charges.

Paqueta said (via Twitter): “It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation.

“Perhaps this ridiculous behaviour is just a reflection of everything I’ve had to endure and, it seems, have to continue enduring! I’m sorry if I’m not perfect.”

Paqueta’s apology does not cut it – View

Apologies on social media do not undo the damage done on the pitch.

Paqueta’s behaviour in that moment was reckless, ill-disciplined, and completely selfish, particularly considering the context of the game.

West Ham were already chasing the match, and losing their most influential midfielder at such a crucial stage was nothing short of sabotage.

Worse still, many players were seen trying to pull him away from the referee, urging him to calm down before things escalated further.

Paqueta ignored that guidance, choosing instead to continue berating England and inflaming the situation.

That is unacceptable from a senior professional, let alone one entrusted with leadership responsibility.

Footballers are under immense pressure, and mental strain is a real and serious issue, but that does not excuse a lack of self-control in a match situation.

West Ham paid the ultimate price for his actions, losing all hope of salvaging a result. Accountability must come before sympathy.