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Lucas Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022 West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is still affected by the investigation into spot-fixing charges brought against him, says manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The Football Association began an investigation in August 2023 and charged the Brazilian in May 2024 for allegedly getting booked deliberately "for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market". He was cleared by an independent regulatory commission in July this year. Paqueta was sent off for dissent in Sunday's 2-0 defeat by Liverpool and afterwards said his actions were a "reflection of everything I have had to endure". "I think it [the investigation] is affecting him but he is willing to move forward, to try and put this aside and continue to play football in the way that he does, " Nuno said. Paqueta criticises FA after red card against Liverpool West Ham's Paqueta cleared of spot-fixing charges Paqueta was facing a lifetime ban from football had he been found guilty but the regulatory commission found the four charges against him to be "not proven". He was reprimanded and warned about his future conduct after failing to comply with the investigation. When the midfielder was cleared, Paqueta's lawyer told the BBC the midfielder was "very emotional and very delighted" and has "an enormous weight off his chest". Paqueta's wife has previously said they had "been living this nightmare for two years". Paqueta received two yellow cards in quick succession on Sunday, after arguing over a decision by referee Darren England to award a foul against his team with six minutes left. It was his first match back after sitting out West Ham's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth after accumulating five yellow cards in the league. Paqueta attributed Sunday's sending off to the events of the past two years, criticising what he claims was a lack of psychological support provided by the FA during the investigation. He added: "I'm sorry if I'm not perfect. " Nuno confirmed Paqueta had apologised him and his Hammers' team-mates following the incident. "He is not OK, " Nuno said. "He is suffering, he is disappointed and upset. "He realises the mistake that he made and he is willing to move forward. Sometimes people are not aware of the problems that football players endure. "But I think [he] is going to overcome this situation. " While this latest suspension rules him out of West Ham's trip to Manchester United on Thursday, Nuno confirmed he will be involved against Brighton on Sunday - while also stating he believes Paqueta is "definitely" happy at the club amid rumours about his future. Latest West Ham news, analysis and fan views Ask about West Ham - what do you want to know? 'A fearless hero for hapless England' - Robin Smith obituary Ex-England player arrested on suspicion of attempted rape Hadjar promoted and Lindblad, 18, gets F1 drive Steve Davis: 'I felt I was unbeatable' The hidden workings of dating apps uncovered Meet the Premier League’s first female photographer Get ready for Guz Khan's new comedy, landing this Christmas 'A fearless hero for hapless England' - Robin Smith obituary What's behind snooker's 147 boom? '150th Open champion Smith needs more than a cool number plate' When F1 title has gone to a final-race three-way fight Five reasons for English positivity before Gabba Test 'Raise hell' - the fastest bowler you might not have heard of Why Caicedo was sent off but Bentancur escaped 'Qatar GP shows anything can happen in three-way title showdown' 'Arsenal deserve to be clear - but who's best placed to challenge? ' 'Is this the start of Liverpool's life without Salah? ' 'Bonds the embodiment of West Ham's spirit' Abject failure becoming the norm - where does Welsh rugby go from here? What next for heavyweight division after TKV win? 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 What next for friendly foes who see each other 'more than family'? Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.