West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta could reportedly face a lifetime ban if he is found guilty of SIX FA charges.
There were originally only four charges issued for betting infringements but he has now also been accused of obstructing the investigation after throwing away his phone – which was one of the sources of evidence used.
Fans on X believe the FA are overreaching in terms of the length of the ban which could be meted out:
They hate him so much
— Padqueta ⚒️ (@PaddersWHU) October 9, 2024
They’re clutching at straws.
— Tom McAllister ⚒⚒ (@tomwhu12) October 9, 2024
If he was told to keep the phone then it’s bad, but he wasn’t
— ⚒️WHU_oz⚒️ (@westham_Oz) October 9, 2024
Ridiculous the FA can do one
— Michelle 🇮🇱 (@CityChristian50) October 9, 2024
If they seized his phone, obviously he’s gonna go get a new one. So when he gets it back why wouldn’t he get rid of the old one? 😂
— WHU Reece ⚒🫧 (@Reece_WHU_) October 9, 2024
This is ridiculous, he handed the phone in originally and they had it for a long time, they returned it to him and he obviously didn't need it anymore so threw it away, to charge him for that is the most petty thing I've ever heard
— Mark Horgan (@Mark_AW_Horgan) October 9, 2024
When will we know if Paqueta has been found guilty?
It is believed that a hearing will take place in March next year so the Brazilian international will be eligible to play for the Hammers until then.
Paqueta has not opted to take any time away from football, despite the clear strain that the midfielder is under. He scored his first goal of the season against Ipswich Town last weekend.
The West Ham star has played during the international break
Paqueta was in Brazil’s starting eleven as his country came from 1-0 down to win 2-1 against Chile on Thursday night. The three points could prove important as they seek to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The midfielder is expected to feature again when Brazil take on Peru in another qualifier next week.
Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
