Paqueta's wife issues emotional statement after her husband broke down in tears

Lucas Paqueta's wife has said their family have been 'living a nightmare for two years' as the West Ham midfielder awaits the outcome of a spot-fixing investigation.

Paqueta broke down in tears after being shown a yellow card during his side's 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Sunday.

The Brazil international, 27, was booked by referee Michael Oliver after fouling Mikey Moore to stop a counter-attack in the 73rd minute at the London Stadium.

Cameras showed him using his shirt to wipe his eyes after an emotional reaction to the caution - and he was soon substituted by boss Graham Potter.

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.

Sources said the turmoil has been mentally taxing on Paqueta, who has long maintained his innocence against the FA's charges.

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!'

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.

It is believed it may not resume until June.