Broadcaster calls for 'embarrassing' West Ham player to be banned

"Embarrassing, Paqueta taking a dig in the ribs and collapsing, clutching his face. So stupid with cameras everywhere to expose the cheating. In an ideal world, that should carry a one-game ban for any player trying it (and there have been a few). Embarrassing -Paqueta taking a dig in the ribs and collapsing clutching his face. So stupid with cameras everywhere to expose the cheating. In an ideal world , that should carry a one game ban for any player trying it ( and there have been a few ). Ian Darke (@IanDarke) September 29, 2025"

"While Paqueta did indeed make contact with Mykolenko, many believe he compounded the situation by theatrically falling, ensuring that the incident drew attention. The incident has renewed debates over player simulation, referee consistency, and the boundaries of gamesmanship. For Nuno, a pressing early task will be to rein in such antics. Ensuring Paqueta concentrates on the creative and attacking responsibilities he possesses, rather than"

Everton opened the scoring at Goodison Park when Michael Keane capitalised on West Ham’s recurring set-piece vulnerability. West Ham responded through Jarrod Bowen to level the match and secure a point in Nuno Espirito Santo’s first game in charge. West Ham produced a performance that offered encouragement under the new manager despite the draw. Lucas Paqueta made contact with Vitalii Mykolenko but then fell clutching his face, an action that attracted widespread criticism as apparent simulation. The incident has revived debates over simulation, referee consistency and gamesmanship, and presents an early coaching task to refocus Paqueta on his creative responsibilities.

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