'Extremely surprised and upset' - Lucas Paqueta issues furious response after being hit with FA charge for breaking betting rules that leaves Man City move in danger of collapse again

Paqueta has issue an angry response to the Football Association after being hit with a charge for breaking betting rules. The Brazilian has taken to social media where he's vowed to fight the charges with "every breath" in an attempt to clear his name. The FA have alleged Paqueta "intentionally" tried to "receive a card" in games against Leciester City, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth.

The FA said in a statement: "West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3. 

"The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 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 that 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.

"Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2."

He wrote on X: "I am extremely surprised and upset that the FA has decided to charge me. For nine months I have cooperated with every step of their investigation and provided all the information I can. I deny the charges in their entirety and will fight with every breath to clear my name. Due to the ongoing process, I will not be providing any further comment."

The charges could have a big impact on Paqueta's future with the Brazilian having been linked with a move to Manchester City once again. Paqueta is already said to have agreed personal terms but it remains to be seen if the deal will go through. The Premier League club came close to signing the attacker last summer but a move collapsed when the investigation into the betting breaches began.

The West Ham star has until June 3 to respond to the charges, and he could receive a ban if found guilty. Brentford striker Ivan Toney was previously suspended for eight months following an independent investigation into 232 betting offences.