Serious accusations. Lucas Paqueta is suspected of having sought to voluntarily receive a yellow card four times in the last two seasons in the Premier League, the English Football Federation announced this Thursday: against Leicester City (0-2) on November 12, 2022, Aston Villa (1-1) on March 12, 2023, Leeds United (3-1) on May 21, 2023 and Bournemouth (1-1) on August 12, 2023. “It is alleged that he directly sought to influence the proceedings, the conduct or any other aspect or event of such matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee with the improper aim of affecting the betting market so that one or more persons may profit from betting,” the FA said.
Also readFootball: Brazilian Lucas Paqueta suspected of voluntary yellow cards, possible end of career?
And inevitably, the videos of the yellow cards received by the Brazilian have resurfaced on social networks in recent hours. The opportunity, for those who wish, to decipher them. Against the Foxes, we can see the attacking midfielder make two (largely) late interventions in quick succession on two different players. Against the Peacocks, the member of the Hammers was penalized for an anti-playing fault after a rejected corner, thus preventing an opposing counter-attack. Against the Villans, he received a warning for a late tackle from behind in the central circle while trying (visibly?) to recover the ball from an opponent’s feet…a few seconds after having committed a foul for a late intervention. Finally, against the Cherries, it was an excess of commitment in an aerial duel which earned him a yellow card. Let us point out that in some cases, the two teams were tied and they were fighting to grab a point or win.
Did he deliberately seek to receive a warning? Everyone will form their opinion by looking at the images – which are always difficult to analyze. One thing is certain, Lucas Paqueta “has until June 3, 2024 to respond to these accusations,” said the FA. The West Ham player still maintains his innocence. “I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA have decided to charge me. For nine months, I cooperated at every stage of the investigation and provided all possible information. I deny all accusations in their entirety and will fight with all my might to clear my name,” he wrote on his Instagram account. If he were to be found guilty, the Brazilian international would risk a (very) big suspension… which could even mark the end of his career. To be continued.
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