A Premier League star has been charged by the FA for allegedly trying to affect the betting market by intentionally getting carded by referees in several fixtures.
West Ham United footballer Lucas Paqueta has been charged with four breaches in relation to his conduct in the club’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.
It’s alleged he “directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting”.
Paqueta said he was “extremely surprised and upset” that he had been charged – and said he “denied any charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name”.
The Brazil international midfielder, 26, has until 3 June to respond to the charges, the FA said.
The FA launched an investigation after suspicious betting patterns were noticed around a booking he received in added time in the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on the opening day of the season last August, Sky Sports said.
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Source Agencies
