West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta was dismissed late in the club’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool after receiving two yellow cards for persistent dissent, drawing fierce criticism from pundits and leaving manager Nuno Espirito Santo frustrated.
West Ham United were dealt a late blow in their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the London Stadium after key midfielder Lucas Paqueta was sent off for dissent towards referee Darren England.
According to a report from talkSPORT, the bizarre incident occurred in the 83rd minute when Paqueta, who had just returned from a prior suspension for accruing five yellow cards this campaign, accrued two quick-fire yellow cards in the space of less than a minute.
The sequence began after England awarded a foul against Paqueta’s teammate, Niclas Fullkrug.
Despite attempts from teammates—and even Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, his international colleague—to calm him, the Brazilian star continued to “harangue the official” after receiving his initial caution, forcing England to issue a second booking and the subsequent red card.
This marked Paqueta’s first red card in his 104th Premier League appearance.Speaking on Sky Sports, former England goalkeeper Rob Green was scathing about the player’s lack of composure.
Green stated: “It’s completely irresponsible.” He added: “He’s lost his head. He’s not helped the team in any respect, he’s not helped his side in the next eight minutes or his team for the next game.”
The dismissal visibly angered Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who confirmed post-match that he would address the player’s actions. Nuno said:
“First of all, I’m going to speak to Lucas and try to understand his frustrations and his behaviour. We need all the players, and we are going to need them until the end of the season. Every player out, we’re going to miss them.”
The loss further compounds West Ham’s disappointing season, leaving them with only 11 points in 13 Premier League games.