Paqueta Faces Lifetime Ban Amid Bet Probe

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta broke down in tears after receiving a yellow card during a 1-1 Premier League draw with Tottenham, a reaction attributed to the pressure from an ongoing FA investigation. Paqueta is accused of deliberately receiving bookings in four matches to enable friends and family to profit from bets, allegations he denies. If found guilty, he faces a possible lifetime ban, with the FA hearing's conclusion delayed until at least June. His wife, Duda, described the investigation as a two-year 'nightmare' for their family and publicly defended his character. West Ham manager Graham Potter and captain Jarrod Bowen have offered support, but concerns have grown within the club over the impact on Paqueta’s mental health and whether he should continue playing in the remaining matches. The case has underscored both the personal toll on Paqueta and the backing he receives from his team.