West Ham's Lucas Paqueta has apologised for his red card against Liverpool but hit out at the Football Association in a furious statement, accusing them of a lack of "psychological support".
At 1-0 down and West Ham still in the game on 84 minutes, Paqueta earned himself two bookings in quick succession for arguing with referee Darren England.
The Brazilian refused to be pulled away by West Ham team-mates or even compatriot Alisson of Liverpool as he continued to argue with the official, eventually earning a second yellow card in the 2-0 defeat.
Paqueta, who was cleared in August of spot-fixing charges following an FA investigation, was only just returning from a one-match ban for an accumulation of five yellow cards already this season.
Replying on X to Sky Sports' video of the incident, where commentator Rob Green calls his reaction "ridiculous", Paqueta said: "It's ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation.
"Perhaps this ridiculous behavior (sic) 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."
In another post on X, Paqueta then apologised to West Ham for his conduct.
He said: "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 apologize to the fans and my teammates!"
Sky Sports News has contacted the FA for comment.
Nuno Espirito Santo refused to speak about Paqueta's red card in the immediate aftermath of the game, wanting to seek clarity from the player first before commenting.
Nuno said: "I want to speak to him first and try to understand. It's unfair to make a comment without speaking to him.
"It's hard to play with one man less against Liverpool."
Paqueta was cleared of spot-fixing charges that he denied following an FA investigation into four incidents where he picked up yellow cards.
The Brazil international was accused of committing spot-fixing offences in four Premier League matches - against Leicester City in November 2022, Aston Villa in March 2023, Leeds United in May 2023 and Bournemouth last August.
"Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations," Paqueta said after being cleared.
Sadek85
0
They have to investigate him I’ve never seen someone begged for a red card so bad
KingCarrot
0
Paqueta should check himself in a mental hospital if he needs psychological support
Lovebug2
1
At last a player stands up to one sided refereeing and all are saying he was rude. These EPL referees are substandard and biased. The referee in the Arsenal vs Chelsea game allowed crude tackles until Caicedo got a red card. Why don't referees apply the rules as they are? You hear the Liverpool/ Manchester United legends who are just supporters masquerading as pundits communicating with the ref centre or VAR what punishment must be metted, penalty calls and red cards. Mafia is running football matters.
wiabcersy
1
So Liverpool won because of the red card?
Gentle_gaint
0
he force the ref
More like...
suaaekpu
0
At one point, I thought that Paqueta was going to land a "Haymaker" on the Referee. I saw a RED CARD shown to him. Please brandish another RED CARD on my behalf, because his behaviour was appalling and intentional.
DrUnited
0
This player must be investigated thoroughly
suybdikmny
0
one is to suspect again if this is act. of match fixing. How can your fellow players talking to you and you keep on until you get a red card
Ruubclouz
0
Apologies not Accepted More like he's bet with someone he's gonna collect red card Cmon it's common sense
he force the ref
Bewbenpryz
2
All the people accusing him are stupid. Have they been a victim of wrong accusation they'll have understand him.
Sabekmrst
1
His apology shouldn't be accepted, the team management should punish him for indiscipline.
Sabekmrst
0
Benayoun was good for Arsenal only that he came on loan.
wuaamnostz
0
Paqueta is skillful player, but he flops and always gets himself sent off...
huncdkmort
2
Apologies not accepted bcoz you failed to respect your fellow team players restraining you from fighting the referee's decision but you persisted and eventually got your marching orders stupid player .
DominicChege
0
That guy is very stupid and too stubborn the referee gave him warnings about 5 times he kept on arguing and looking for match orders
Maybe he had bet earlier to be red carded
ribekluy
1
Apologies not Accepted More like he's bet with someone he's gonna collect red card Cmon it's common sense
totally agree with you, he made a bet
OverloadElidemaskino
2
That guy is very stupid and too stubborn the referee gave him warnings about 5 times he kept on arguing and looking for match orders
keliamfavorkeliamfav
1
very silly on your part, all your friends try stopping but you wanted to show up, apologies not accepted
Gentle_gaint
0
Apologies not Accepted More like he's bet with someone he's gonna collect red card Cmon it's common sense
I wasn't mocking him.... We have a saying (The dog that refuses to listen to the whistles of his owner might probably get lost...) His captain was there holding him back Even opposition keeper was there also... He didn't listen He went 4 times more... And left the ref no options than to issue him red
Ruuaemsyz
0
Apologies not Accepted More like he's bet with someone he's gonna collect red card Cmon it's common sense
don't mock a situation you've never been in before
Gentle_gaint
5
Apologies not Accepted More like he's bet with someone he's gonna collect red card Cmon it's common sense