Why Lucas Paqueta was sent off vs Liverpool in moment of madness
West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá found himself at the centre of an extraordinary and chaotic moment during the closing stages of his side’s 2–0 Premier League defeat to Liverpool at the London Stadium — an incident that ultimately saw him sent off in dramatic fashion.
The Brazilian playmaker, who had only just returned to the starting XI after serving a suspension, completely lost his composure after referee Darren England awarded a foul against teammate Niclas Füllkrug. Paquetá, infuriated by the decision, stormed toward the official to voice his anger, instantly earning a yellow card for dissent.
Tensions were already simmering in the stadium, with home supporters showing their displeasure as Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez received on-field treatment, which further delayed the game. Paquetá’s fury, however, only escalated. His protests became increasingly heated, and despite several attempts by his West Ham teammates to pull him away from the referee, he refused to calm down.
Even Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker stepped in, trying to physically guide Paquetá away from the confrontation. The midfielder, though, continued to shout and gesture angrily, completely ignoring the efforts around him to defuse the situation.
The argument dragged on for so long and with such intensity that referee Darren England eventually had no choice but to reach once more into his pocket. Less than two minutes after brandishing the first yellow, he produced a second — and with it, an inevitable red card.
Paquetá reacted with even more frustration. He gave a sarcastic round of applause toward the referee before beginning a fresh set of complaints aimed at the fourth official. His dismissal left manager Nuno Espírito Santo visibly exasperated on the touchline, his expression reflecting both disbelief and disappointment at his player’s loss of discipline.
Sky Sports commentator Rob Green harshly criticised the midfielder’s behaviour during the broadcast.
“It’s completely irresponsible,” Green remarked. “He’s lost his head. He hasn’t helped his team in any way — not for the remaining eight minutes, and not for the next match. West Ham’s passive play already helped Liverpool regain control, and this incident has only made things even easier for them.”
Paquetá’s meltdown capped a frustrating afternoon for the Hammers, whose lack of intensity allowed Liverpool to manage the game comfortably. The sending-off not only weakened West Ham in the dying moments but also leaves them without one of their key players for their next fixture — a consequence that will no doubt add to Nuno’s frustrations after an already disappointing performance.