"The catalyst? The controversial red card shown to West Ham's creative leader, Lucas Paqueta, during their 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool on Sunday. Paqueta was dismissed in the 84th minute after two yellow cards in quick succession, both for dissent against referee Darren England. According to match reports, his first booking came after a verbal protest but rather than calming down, Paqueta persisted. He continued to argue even after repeated warnings to play on, leading to a second yellow and an inevitable straight red."
"In the aftermath, Paqueta addressed the media and supporters, offering an apology but with a twist. He harshly criticized the Football Association (FA), alleging that the body failed to provide psychological support during the two-year spot-fixing investigation that engulfed him before he was cleared earlier this year. He admitted his behaviour was driven in part by the emotional strain of that ordeal."
"United are confident after beating Crystal Palace Bruno Fernandes of Man United battles for possession (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) Meanwhile, Man United, fresh off a gritty away win at Crystal Palace, will view this as a golden opportunity to extend their momentum. That victory, which ended Palace's nine-month unbeaten run at Selhurst Park, showcased United's capacity to grind out results even when not at their most fluent."
Lucas Paqueta received two yellow cards for dissent and was sent off in the 84th minute during West Ham's 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool, resulting in suspension for the upcoming match against Manchester United. Paqueta apologized but accused the FA of failing to provide psychological support during a two-year spot-fixing investigation before his clearance and said the ordeal influenced his behaviour. West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo faces a tactical challenge and likely midfield reshuffle without their most creative player. Manchester United, buoyed by a gritty win at Crystal Palace that ended Palace's nine-month unbeaten run at Selhurst Park, view the suspension as an opportunity to extend momentum.
Read at www.caughtoffside.com
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