A good performance by West Ham against Ipswich and three points in the bag went along way to ease some of the pressure on Julen Lopetegui.
One player that has been under focus this season is the Brazilian talisman Lucas Paqueta who was heavily linked to Manchester City before the spot fixing allegations came to light.
Paqueta was hit with four charges of intentionally being booked by the FA in May after an investigation into irregular betting on Paqueta Island in Brazil. To add to his woes the player has also been hit with two counts of failing to comply with the investigation.
Paqueta has denied all charges against him and has said that he will “fight with every breath to clear my name”.
It is notable that this has affected his performances since, and as seen in an earlier article on Claret and Hugh and several national papers, it has now come to light that his hearing will take place in March 2025, during the Premier League season.
After the recent game against Brentford, Tony Cascarino commenting for Talk Sport said “Paqueta looks completely a shadow of the player so far this season that we know he is capable of”. His co-commentator Natalie Sawyer even went as far as to say he looked disinterested.
Signs of improvement for Paqueta?
Paqueta scored against Ipswich
A goal yesterday was much needed for the Brazilian international, yet equally he was culpable for the Ipswich equaliser earlier on in the game. Ex Hammer, Tony Gale commenting pulled no punches “He defended awfully there, he’s got to do better”
The Hammers have given Paqueta their full backing. Lopetegui recently said that the player was handling the charges well but they had not discussed the issue.
“We don’t talk about this, we talk about football. The next match, and about life, and not about this”
Some Hammers fans have suggested the player should be dropped, yet he still features for his national team and an on form Paqueta is unplayable. It should not be ignored that he has scored two goals in seven league appearances.
Equally with a larger squad Lopetegui does have other options.
The March hearing is awful timing given it’s near the end of the Premier League season, with a life time ban hanging over the player.
Though it should be noted that the Manchester City case will also be concluded during the season which will have wider ramifications for the Premier League this season.
Outside of the rules of the courtroom, if I had to bet on the truth, my money would be on the side of he is dirtier than a mudpie. Let’s plan on moving on without his services after Mar 25. Maybe sooner.
OVERBOARD LOCATION ALERT SYSTEM ?
Over Land And Sea
… and thanks to you too, Ian!
Just wondering if West Ham can appeal, on Paqueta’s behalf, regarding the timing of the hearing? It is unfair for both club and player.
Matt Kemp, with respect, I am curious to know what OLAS is, as mentioned in your summary of experience above? I tried Googling it but nothing came up.
Over Land and Sea a fanzine created by Gary Firmager.
Ok, thanks for your reply Matt! 👍