Images of suspicious cards of accused Paquetá were an immediate hit on the internet

The images of the suspected violations of the accused Lucas Paquetá are rapidly circulating the internet. The West Ham United midfielder was officially charged by the FA on Thursday for breaching gambling rules. The Brazilian may have deliberately taken a yellow card in at least four matches. Paquetá himself denies all allegations.

The FA has cited four specific examples in which, according to the English Football Association, Paquetá was guilty of violating the gambling rules by deliberately taking the yellow card. The first suspicious moment according to the FA took place on November 12, 2022, when Paquetá was booked for a clumsy foul on Boubakary Soumaré of Leicester City.

On March 12, 2023, Paquetá was booked for a similar foul on Aston Villa's John McGinn. On 21 May, Paquetá was booked for holding the shirt of Leeds United striker Crysencio Summerville. In August last year, Paquetá received his last, according to the FA, suspicious yellow card, when he made a handball in injury time against AFC Bournemouth.

Immediately after the allegations, the images on X of Paquetá's suspicious cards are viewed millions of times. The completely unnecessary handball in stoppage time in particular stands out to users, but the other violations also stand out.

“It is alleged that he (Paquetá, ed.) attempted to influence the progress, conduct or any other aspect of or appearance in these matches by deliberately attempting to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of influencing the betting market , in order to allow one or more persons to benefit from betting,” the FA wrote.

West Ham, who appointed Julen Lopetegui as their new manager earlier in the day, released a short statement. “The club will continue to support the player throughout the process.” Paquetá has until June 3 to officially respond to the charges.

“I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me,” Paquetá wrote in an initial response. “For nine months I cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all possible information. I deny all allegations.”

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