Paqueta Receives FA Warning but Sidesteps Additional Suspension Following Red Card Incident

West Ham's Lucas Paqueta has been formally cautioned by the Football Association for dissent after his red card against Liverpool, avoiding further sanctions beyond his standard one-match ban. The Brazilian midfielder linked his on-field outburst to lingering stress from a recently resolved spot-fixing investigation.

By Chris Posiano

December 4, 2025 at 2:31 AM

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West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been formally reprimanded by the Football Association for his conduct following a dismissal during Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at London Stadium, though the governing body confirmed no additional punishment will be imposed.

The 28-year-old Brazilian received consecutive yellow cards from referee Darren England for persistent dissent during the Premier League clash. After the second booking—which came after Paqueta repeatedly contested a foul decision—he continued confronting officials while exiting the pitch, directing sarcastic applause toward the referee.

In an official statement, the FA confirmed: "As guidance, we have issued Lucas Paqueta with a warning and reminder of his responsibilities regarding the post-red card incident during the Premier League fixture against Liverpool on 30 November." The standard one-match suspension for the sending-off will stand, ruling him out of Thursday's match at Manchester United, but the FA explicitly stated it "will take no further action."

Paqueta referenced the ongoing emotional toll of a high-profile investigation into alleged spot-fixing when addressing his reaction post-match. Cleared of four charges in July 2024—including accusations of deliberately receiving yellow cards to manipulate betting markets—the midfielder had faced a potential lifetime ban prior to the independent commission ruling all allegations "not proven." He was previously reprimanded for non-cooperation with the probe, which his wife described as a "two-year nightmare."

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo acknowledged the psychological impact of the investigation despite Paqueta's exoneration, stating: "This process continues to affect him, but he’s determined to move forward and focus on his football." The midfielder returned from a separate one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation just days before the Liverpool match, having missed the draw against Bournemouth.

Following his clearance earlier this year, Paqueta's legal representative revealed the player felt "immense relief" and described the verdict as lifting "an enormous weight." The FA's decision to limit consequences to a standard ban marks the conclusion of the latest disciplinary episode involving the high-profile midfielder.