The Football Association’s probe into the Lucas Paqueta betting saga continues, with the midfielder being investigated by the Football Association for three yellow cards he received following his arrival in August 2022.Paqueta probe: Delving into each incident. Michael Talbot reports.
Aston Villa – March 12th:
Paqueta probe: Delving into each incident
Paqueta’s first yellow card under investigation being investigated occurred during West Ham‘s match against Aston Villa on March 12th. The caution, his fourth of the 2022-23 campaign, resulted from a late challenge that drew the ire of John McGinn in the second half. An observant punter had noted the odds on Paqueta receiving a yellow card was somewhat short (8/11) before the match, sparking the investigation. The Brazilian midfielder received the yellow in the 24th minute of the second half.
Leeds United – May 21st:
In a match against Leeds United on May 21st, as West Ham prepared for the UEFA Conference League final, Paqueta received a booking in the 65th minute for tripping Crysensio Summerville to prevent a counter-attack. The incident was not widely commented upon at the time, but it’s mentioned that minutes before this play, Paqueta had been warned by the referee for kicking the ball away.
Bournemouth – August 12th:
The third yellow card under investigation was received by Paqueta at Bournemouth on August 12th. The booking, which reportedly accelerated a previously undisclosed five-month investigation, occurred when Paqueta shoved Illia Zabarnyi and showed dissent to referee Peter Bankes . It was not all bad news though as this incident scuppered a potential transfer to Manchester City.
Claret and Hugh conclusion: Despite the circumstances surrounding these yellow cards, you have to admit that all the evidence is hardly watertight. The hope is that, until concrete proof is found, the charges hanging over Paqueta’s head won’t distract him from his football. There are signs though that the investigation may already be affecting the player, and the sooner we have some resolution and clarity, the better it will be for everybody