West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá has criticised the Football Association, accusing the governing body of failing to offer psychological support during the long-running spot-fixing investigation that overshadowed his career.

Paquetá was sent off late in Sunday’s 2–0 defeat to Liverpool at the London Stadium after receiving two quick yellow cards for dissent. The dismissal prompted a heated response from the Brazilian, who was cleared earlier this year of four FA charges alleging he deliberately sought bookings in Premier League matches.

Posting on X, Paquetá expressed frustration at the toll the investigation had taken on him:

“It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation,” he wrote. “Perhaps this ridiculous behaviour is just a reflection of everything I’ve had to endure — and continue to endure. I’m sorry if I’m not perfect.”

His comments came in reply to a Sky Sports post showing footage of his sending-off accompanied by the caption: “It’s ridiculous behaviour.”

Paquetá, 28, later issued an apology to his teammates and supporters but insisted his conduct did not merit a red card.

“I understand that now I have to look like the villain. It’s difficult to live with everything that has been caused in my life and in my psyche,” he said in a translated post. “This does not justify my expulsion, and for that I apologise to the fans and my teammates.”

The midfielder was fully cleared on July 31 of allegations that he intentionally sought bookings in four Premier League fixtures between November 2022 and August 2023 against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bournemouth. He had faced the possibility of a lifetime ban before being exonerated and has always denied any wrongdoing.