Twenty-four hours after a West Ham game usually gives enough time to reflect on the previous day’s events. However, even after a night’s sleep, it’s still difficult to fully understand what happened with Lucas Paquetá and his red-card madness against Liverpool.
On a day when Billy Bonds had sadly passed away and West Ham was a club in mourning, the Brazilian completely failed to read the room. Not content with making the whole occasion about himself during the match, the unrepentant Paquetá even took to social media later that evening to play the victim — excusing his ‘ridiculous’ actions without offering a single apology.
Looking back over the footage several times, a few things stand out.
Firstly, referee Darren England appeared to warn Paquetá on multiple occasions before finally sending him off. It’s hard to know exactly what the exchange was between Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and the West Ham man, but when Alisson tried pulling him away from the referee, it’s safe to assume he was also warning him that a dismissal was imminent.
Paqueta knew a red card was imminent
Paquetá in Full Control Throughout
While West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen was far too weak and timid in dealing with the situation, he undoubtedly told Paquetá he was talking himself into trouble — as did Mateus Fernandes. Yet for some reason, the agitated 28-year-old continued his tantrum, walking towards Darren England, who was actually stepping backwards to try to diffuse the situation.
Paquetá kept walking, kept talking, and eventually got exactly what he appeared to be seeking. The strangest part was what happened next: the moment the red card was shown, he instantly stopped his march on the referee. That immediate halt suggests he was in full control of himself the entire time albeit via a touchline rant at the fourth official.
His juvenile behaviour has now left Nuno Espírito Santo in a very awkward position and creates a major issue just before the January transfer window. By his actions, Paquetá has undoubtedly pushed himself closer to the exit door… and I’ll leave it to everyone else to decide whether that was his intention all along.
Best to wait until Summer. Give more minutes to George Earthy immediately, people say he is ready and he had a great loan. With Earthy and Fernandes we have 2 young playmakers at WHU. NES can sub Paqueta in for Earthy and vice versa. Give E. this season to play regularly and prepare, aiming for a starting spot in the team 26-27 if all goes well. Later, P. will get his transfer. Going to be difficult to handle internally given he just spent 2 years under the cosh.
This January we need to fill other positions more urgently so club does not have time for this and come Summer, NES might no longer need to spend on a playmaker with F & E having played 25-26?
That he did this Sunday is unforgiveable – on such a day it was a disgrace.
If he costs WHU money as well as all the sh** that the club has had to put up, yes the club has had to put with his multiple baggage for over 3 years. Surely there is a club that wants to buy a superstar and pay what is his real worth then WHU can pocket the millions and he can move on to a club worth his talents. If only!
He behaved disgracefully on the worst possible day of all – when one of West Ham’s finest servants passed away. He is a loose cannon and has contributed little or nothing to the team between his periods of being banned. And all this while West Ham stood by him during his “difficulties”.
We would be no worse off if we gave him away!
We need players who are going to roll up their sleeves and fight for the club, not self-centred cry babies.
There are probably quite a few friends & relatives in Brazil going to have a very happy Christmas. He was lucky to get away with the previous – now he is taking the proverbial P. Lesson not learnt.
Get rid of him and move Earthy up…Potts Fernandes Magassa all want to play for the shirt Paquetta just wants to get out as quick as he can and go back to Brazil he will not be missed.
What’s the ref supposed to do like really, give him the name of a good shrink ?
The trouble is nobody will pay £50m for him
Reminds me of a certain Mr Defoe
Get rid. £50m and replace with centre back and striker. Earthy can do his job and better!