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Lucas Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022 West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta says his "ridiculous behaviour" that resulted in a red card in the 2-0 defeat by Liverpool was a "reflection of everything I've had to endure". A near-two-year Football Association investigation into the Brazil midfielder ended in July when he was cleared of spot-fixing charges by an independent regulatory commission. On Sunday, Paqueta was shown two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent by referee Darren England for arguing over a decision to award a foul against his team with six minutes left to play. After the match, Paqueta commented on X in response to a post quoting commentary from former Hammers goalkeeper and Sky Sports summariser Rob Green, which branded the red card "ridiculous behaviour". "It's ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation, " Paqueta said, while also apologising to his team-mates and the club's supporters. "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. " The 28-year-old was only returning from a one-match suspension on Sunday after accumulating five yellow cards in the league - having sat out the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth last weekend. "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, " he wrote in Portuguese. "I'll keep trying to ensure they don't affect me even more. This doesn't justify my expulsion and that's why I apologise to the fans and my team-mates. " The FA had started its investigation in August 2023 and the 27-year-old was charged in May last year for allegedly getting booked deliberately "for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market". Paqueta had faced the prospect of a lifetime ban if found guilty. The regulatory commission found the four charges against Paqueta to be "not proven" following a hearing but he was reprimanded and warned about his future conduct for his failure to comply with the investigation into the allegations. Speaking after the game, West Ham manager 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. " Paqueta joined the Hammers from Lyon in August 2022 and helped the club win the Europa Conference League during his debut season. He was reportedly set for an £85m move to Manchester City in August 2023 before the FA investigation came to light. Isak scores as Liverpool stop rot at 10-man West Ham Get news, insight and fan views on your Premier League team All your football quizzes in one place Premier League index Premier League table Premier League fixtures Premier League: Reaction as leaders Arsenal held to draw by 10-man Chelsea Verstappen Qatar win takes title fight to final race 'Is this the start of Liverpool's life without Salah? ' A festive favourite to spark your Christmas spirit Miquita and Jordan chat all things friendship and lighting The Aussie detective series returns One of the most infamous brawls in sports history 'Is this the start of Liverpool's life without Salah? ' 'Bonds the embodiment of West Ham's spirit' The cutest snooker player has arrived! Two-year-old Jude walks out. Video The cutest snooker player has arrived! Two-year-old Jude walks out Abject failure becoming the norm - where does Welsh rugby go from here? What next for heavyweight division after TKV win? Newcastle make 'big step forward' for 'fed up' Howe Man City 'bend rules' to deny Leeds - Farke A 'waste of England's time' - what did Wiegman learn from Lionesses' stroll? What's going on with fan disorder at European games? 766 and all that - when Cook conquered Australia 'Cherry-picked' or deserving? Why Pimblett got UFC title shot The rise of Bayern's 'special' teen Karl who 'plays Messi style' How world's best are spearheading British doubles boom Are 'immense' Arsenal most formidable team in Europe? Is batting getting harder in Australia? Captivating but confusing - what state is international rugby in? What next for friendly foes who see each other 'more than family'? Three Boks, four Englishmen - who makes Opta's team of the autumn? Sports Personality of the Year set for 18 December Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.