West Ham United drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday as the Hammers wind up their Premier League season and Spurs look towards what they hope will be a Europa League final.
During the match, Lucas Paquetá picked up a yellow card and that prompted an emotional reaction from the Brazilian midfielder. He was taken off just after 70 minutes and replaced by James Ward-Prowse, and it was that emotional reaction which was the story of his match.
The situation has made the news in Brazil, where there’s been quite some sympathy with the midfielder as he awaits trial for allegedly picking up yellow cards to help people close to him win bets.
Whilst there’s been talk of a potential life ban if found guilty of the offences, in Brazil there’s even been suggestions a club there could ignore any ban, sign him, and start a fresh legal challenge.
That sounds unlikely and remains to be seen, but O Dia quote the player’s wife after she took to social media to support him.
Maria Eduarda Fournier, who is also described as an influencer, is quoted as saying: “We have been living this nightmare for two years and he is still strong… He always had it in his head that he would only defend himself at the right time and place! There is nothing against him! Have you never realised that?
“My husband has a posture and strength that I admire and that impress me! I just wish people would respect him. People are mean and unfair without knowing anything.”
