Lucas Paqueta looks to have found his way into Nuno Espírito Santo’s bad books after the West Ham boss delivered an icy 25-word verdict while fans aren’t happy about his use of emojis either.
There is never a dull moment in the weird and wonderful world of West Ham and so it proved yet again during the defeat to Liverpool.
Unfortunately there are plenty of dull moments in watching the Hammers play over the last two years.
There was another as West Ham barely tested a clearly shaky Liverpool team who would have been there for the taking against almost any other Premier League side following nine defeats from 12 games.
While West Ham’s performance was dull, Lucas Paqueta ensured there was plenty to talk about with one of the most brainless dismissals you will ever see.
Petulant Paqueta makes headlines for all the wrong reasons
With the Hammers trailing 1-0 and very much still in the game on 84 minutes, Paqueta earned himself two bookings in quick succession for arguing with referee Darren England.
The Brazilian magnifico was struggling to make a telling impact in the game but was still one of West Ham’s better players.
Paqueta certainly left his mark, though, when he refused to be pulled away by his West Ham team-mates or even compatriot Alisson Becker of Liverpool as he continued to argue with England, eventually earning a second yellow card in the 2-0 defeat.
The 28-year-old, who was cleared in August of spot-fixing charges following a two-year ordeal, had only just returned from a one-match ban for picking up five yellow cards already this season.
Hammers fans were furious with the midfielder for leaving his team in the lurch.
Paqueta will now also miss the trip to face Man United at Old Trafford on Thursday night as West Ham battle against the very real threat of relegation.
All eyes have been on the reaction of Nuno Espirito Santo, who watched on incredulously as one of his star players let the side down.
And Paqueta looks to be in hot water with Nuno after his icy 25-word verdict as the midfielder’s emojis spark anger.
Part of Paquetá’s follow-up reaction on social media has only inflamed the situation further, it seems.
Paqueta in trouble with Nuno after icy 25-word verdict
Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Nuno was asked directly about the dismissal with the reporter putting it to the Hammers boss that the only way to describe what unfolded was ‘Paqueta gets himself sent off’.
His response was short, sharp and sounded very much like Paqueta is in trouble with his manager.
“Look, I’m not going to go much further,” Nuno said.
“I understand your question but allow me to speak with Lucas first and try to understand… why,” with Nuno pausing before – and adding extra emphasis to – the word ‘why’ while wearing a stern grimace.
Nuno also refused to be drawn on the matter when speaking to the club’s own media team, suggesting Paqueta is very much in the head coach’s bad books.
He’s not the only one miffed with the midfielder, though.
Hammers fans were largely unforgiving of Paqueta’s petulance when reacting to his posts on social media after the game.
Former West Ham star Rob Green labelled Paqueta ‘ridiculous’ during commentary of the game.
Responding directly to a video posted by Sky Sports of Green’s comment and the incident, Paqueta hit out at the authorities over a lack of support following his spot-fixing case ordeal.
Paqueta emojis spark anger among Hammers fans
Paqueta then posted a follow-up message apologising to fans and his teammates.
But it was the way he ended it that has stirred controversy.
“It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation,” Paqueta said on X.
“Perhaps this ridiculous behaviour 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…
“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!” Paqueta added in a second post.
“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!”
Many Hammers fans accused Paqueta of looking for a booking in the last home game against Burnley, when he was on four yellow cards and facing a ban if he picked up a fifth.
Some fans suggested he wanted time off.
When he then got sent off for his persistent dissent against Liverpool, the same accusations reared their head.
And Paqueta’s use of two emojis in his apology post have only added to the controversy.
The playmaker ended his post with an emojis of a palm tree on a beach – usually used to denote the word ‘holiday’ – and a party popper ‘tada’ – used in celebration.
If Paqueta thinks he’s in for a break, though, he may have another thing coming judging by Nuno’s surly reaction.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
