Topics: West Ham, Nuno Espirito Santo, Premier League, Football, Liverpool
West Ham have made a decision over the future of midfielder Lucas Paqueta after he was shown two yellow cards in a matter of seconds against Liverpool.
The Brazil midfielder was twice booked for dissent on 83 and 84 minutes by referee Darren England at the London Stadium.
He then sarcastically applauded the official, as international team-mate and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, as well as West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen, attempted to usher him away.
Paqueta released a statement apologising for the red card, describing his behaviour as 'ridiculous' - though seemingly only in response to Sky Sports co-commentator Don Goodman using the same phrase.
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He also referenced the FA's spot-fixing investigation against him, which lasted two years before he was cleared.
He wrote on 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.
"I understand that now I have to come across as the villain, it's hard to live with everything that was caused in my life and in my psyche! I'll keep trying to ensure they don't affect me even more.
"This doesn't justify my expulsion, and that's why I apologise to the fans and my team-mates!"
All-time Premier League leading goalscorer Alan Shearer described Paqueta's actions as 'absolutely stupid', telling The Rest Is Football: "It was a stupid sending off. Absolutely ridiculous it was. Two yellow cards for dissent ... He just wouldn't stop, and the referee was right to give him another yellow."
The Brazil international has now been booked seven times in 11 Premier League matches this season, and has already served a one-match ban for yellow cards against Bournemouth last month.
According to Football Insider, West Ham still have no plans to sell Paqueta in January despite his disciplinary record, as he is seen as an indispensable player.
It is claimed that only a significant offer would tempt them to sell, with Manchester City having previously been linked with signing him prior to the FA investigation.
Paqueta was publicly backed on Tuesday by West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who stated: "I think it [the investigation] is affecting him, but he is willing to move forward, to try and put this aside and continue to play football in the way that he does.
"He is not okay. He is suffering, he is disappointed and upset.
"He realises the mistake that he made and he is willing to move forward. Sometimes people are not aware of the problems that football players endure. But I think [he] is going to overcome this situation."
