West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta is being investigated by the Football Association for three yellow cards he’s received since his arrival in August 2022.
The Daily Mail report that the FA are looking at three separate incidents across a six-month period in their gambling probe – going from last season into this one.
The report goes on to state which of Paqueta’s three yellow cards are under scrutiny. We’ve taken a closer look at each of them.
Aston Villa – March 12th
The first Paqueta yellow card being investigated was for his fourth booking of the 2022-23 campaign, at home to Aston Villa, when he was cautioned for a late challenge that incensed John McGinn midway through the second half.
Almost nobody noticed anything unusual about it at the time, save for one eagle-eyed punter who observed a discrepancy in the betting markets.
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“I find it very strange that Paqueta is 8/11 to be booked today,” tweeted @alwaysagooner83 prior to kick-off.
“A player with only 3 yellow cards this season is ODDS ON to be booked for West Ham today. Surely there is something going on there?”
PAQUETÁ’ YELLOW CARD BETTING ALLEGATION
The investigation started from a bet on Paquetá’s yellow card in West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, on March 12, for the Premier League.
The Brazilian midfielder took the yellow in the 24th minute of the second half. pic.twitter.com/2Nwq4jBMcq
— TODAYS SPORTS on X (@todayssportsgh) August 19, 2023