- Lucas Paqueta could face a lifetime ban if found guilty in his spot-fixing case
- He broke down in tears last weekend and now may miss the end of the season
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Lucas Paqueta could miss the rest of West Ham’s season with his club worried about their star midfielder’s state of mind amid the toll of his prolonged betting case.
Paqueta broke down in tears after being shown a yellow card during his side’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Sunday – and his wife says their family have been ‘living a nightmare for two years’.
Mail Sport reported last month that Paqueta’s FA spot-fixing hearing was not concluded during the three-week timeframe originally hoped – and he has now been forced to wait several weeks for the case to start up again.
He has been fighting to prove he is innocent of picking up yellow cards on purpose to influence betting outcomes and faces a lifetime ban if he is found guilty.
And now it appears the looming case could prove too much for the Brazil international, 27, to play. The Telegraph report West Ham are concerned he may not be in a fit state of mind to play in their final three matches of the Premier League season.
West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta is feeling the strain of a prolonged betting case hanging over him
Maria Eduarda Fournier shared an emotional statement on social media as she expressed a desire for her husband to be shown more respect, labelling people ‘mean and unfair’
Paqueta had to be consoled and then was substituted when his manager became aware
He had to be consoled by West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen and referee Michael Oliver after being booked on Sunday and was substituted moments later by manager Graham Potter.
Sources have told Mail Sport the turmoil has been mentally taxing on Paqueta, who has long maintained his innocence against the FA’s charges. Senior figures at West Ham are considering resting him for the rest of the season. His case is not expected to be concluded until the summer.
Paqueta has been accused of deliberately getting booked in four Premier League games, against Leicester in 2022, plus Leeds United, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth the following year.
Writing on Instagram, Maria Eduarda Fournier, who married Paqueta in 2018 and has two children with the West Ham star, defended her husband and stated that their family have been ‘living this nightmare for two years’.
‘I’ve never said anything here, and maybe I shouldn’t have! My husband has a posture and strength that I admire and that IMPRESSES me,’ she wrote.
‘We’ve been living this nightmare for two years and he’s ALWAYS strong… he’s always had it in his head that he would only defend himself at the right time and place!
There’s NOTHING against him. Have you never noticed that?
‘Anyway, God knows everything, and only HE knows why we’re going through this! And only because of HIM are we well and living happily as a family!
‘I just wish people would respect him.. People are mean and unfair, without knowing ANYTHING!’
Paqueta has been fighting to prove he is innocent of picking up yellow cards on purpose during games to influence betting outcomes but faces a lifetime ban if he is found guilty by the panel
Paqueta’s wife said on Sunday night that they have been ‘living this nightmare for two years’
West Ham boss Graham Potter, speaking post-match, suggested the Brazilian’s tears after being booked were due to frustration.
‘I think he’s just a player that’s trying his absolute best and wants the situation to be better and probably got a bit frustrated with the action,’ Potter said.
‘And then you see a human being, not perfect, but I love Lucas. He’s given everything and in difficult circumstances he’s in as well. He’s given everything and he’s absolutely fine now.’
Paqueta’s hearing began on March 17 and was slated to potentially last three weeks.
However, owing to the large amount of evidence being evaluated, Mail Sport understands a fourth week is needed at least, with individuals close to the case saying they are now stuck in a hiatus.
