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Friends who grew up with Lucas Paqueta have jumped to his rescue following reports that he might be banned for ten years if proven guilty of betting on Premier League matches.
The Brazilian international was charged by the FA of intentionally receiving yellow cards in 2022 and 2023 against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds, and Bournemouth.
If found guilty, the West Ham star could face a long ban from football, potentially missing out on a move to Manchester City.
However, his friends have come to his defence on the allegation levelled against him by the Premier League FA.
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19:47 - 23.05.2024
Manchester City target Lucas Paqueta risks lengthy ban for match fixing as FA probe ‘intentional’ yellow cards
The Brazilian star could face a long ban from football, potentially missing out on a move to Manchester City
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16:51 - 23.08.2023
Lucas Paqueta: 3 reasons why West Ham star is under investigation by FA
Lucas Paqueta, a midfielder for West Ham, is currently under investigation by the English FA after violating betting regulations.
Paqueta, backed by friends
Friends of Paqueta have expressed their shock and dismay at their football hero's alleged unlawful manipulation of the betting market by purposefully receiving bookings in a string of high-profile games.
They protested the star's innocence and pleaded with the football association not to ruin their favourite son’s career.
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According to Daily Mail, one said, “He achieved this with a lot of sacrifice with his grandfather, mother, father, and uncles.
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“His conduct is very good. I wish him good luck and hope everything is confirmed so that he is acquitted and brings joy to the Brazilian people, especially from Paqueta.”
Manuel Eduardo, Paqueta's childhood friend who succeeded his grandfather in leading the island's football team, stated, “Lucas Paqueta is innocent until proven otherwise.
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“I know his character, I know his family, I've met everyone in his family, and he has never had these problems. He trained with me every day not long ago at the municipal football club on the other side of the island.
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“I took over from his grandfather, who had to stop due to medical reasons, and I continued with the school's work. Through this, I got to know Lucas better.
“Later he went to Flamengo, training every day. He hardly ever came to Paqueta, but when he did, the first thing he did was put on the club's strip, which was kept at his grandfather's house, and go to the municipal club.”
The investigation is said to have begun after shady wagers were linked to Paqueta Island, where the football player and his extended family grew up.
Residents of the island have since denied rumours that Paqueta may have participated in a neighbourhood scam to assist friends and family.
Paqueta has vowed to 'fight with every breath' to clear his identity and vehemently denies the betting accusations.
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