3 hours ago
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Lucas Paqueta has taken a bizarre swipe at the Premier League and accused them of a lack of psychological support when he was accused of spot-fixing, with the West Ham midfielder saying this was a reason for his 'ridiculous behaviour' in getting sent off.
The Brazilian was shown a red card in the Hammers' 2-0 loss against Liverpool at the London Stadium on Sunday, as he was given two yellow cards for dissent including arguing with the referee.
And he took to social media shortly after full-time to say his behaviour was a reflection of what he has had to endure over the last two years.
'It's ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation,' he said in reply to a Sky Sports video of the incident that saw him given his marching orders.
'Perhaps this ridiculous behavior 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.'
Paqueta's statement came after he escaped a lifetime ban for spot-fixing charges. He was accused of four counts of deliberately getting himself booked in matches, a charge that loomed over him until he was cleared earlier this year.
Lucas Paqueta has launched a social media rant amid his red card against Liverpool
The midfielder was sent off for two rapid acts of dissent late on in the Hammers' 2-1 defeat
He alleged a lack of 'psychological support from the federation' in a post to his 1million X followers
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: 'I'm not going to comment too much. First of all I'm going to speak to Lucas and try to understand his frustrations and his behaviour.'
Meanwhile, Arne Slot was delighted as Liverpool returned to winning ways after a torrid run of form.
The under-pressure Reds boss said his main emotion was 'relief' and thanked the fans for supporting him by singing his name at full-time.
He said: '(It means) a lot. It says a lot about the club and fans that they were not only supportive of me but the whole team.
'If you have such a run of form we are having, and have an away game, and the away end is so full and supports the team from start to finish, including me, that is special.
'Not only after the 1-0 but 0-0 from start to finish. It tells you this club is always together but maybe even more in difficult moments and they appreciate even more what you have done for the club and support you and that is what makes this club special.
'To support someone when they are successful is easier than to support someone or a team when things are as tough as they are now.'
