'Living this nightmare'- Lucas Paqueta's wife sends out emotional message as West Ham star breaks down in tears after being booked against Tottenham

Paqueta has been charged by the Football Association over allegedly breaching betting rules and is due to learn his fate this summer. The Brazil international could face a lifetime ban from football if found guilty at the trial. He was accused of being booked intentionally in order to financially benefit friends and family in Brazil.

Paqueta was in action during West Ham's 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday. Following a challenge on Mickey Moore, which led to him being booked by the referee, the Hammers star was reduced to tears. After the match, his wife Maria Eduarda Fournier took to Instagram to share an emotional message as she claimed that the family has been living a nightmare.

On Instagram, Fournier wrote: "I've never said anything here, and maybe I shouldn't have! My husband has a posture and strength that I admire and that IMPRESSES me. We've been living this nightmare for two years, and he's ALWAYS strong... he's always had it in his head that he would only defend himself at the right time and place!

"There's NOTHING against him. Have you never noticed that? Anyway, God knows everything, and only HE knows why we're going through this! And only because of HIM are we well and living happily as a family! 'I just wish people would respect him.. People are mean and unfair, without knowing ANYTHING!"

Graham Potter's side will be back in action in the Premier League on May 11 as they visit Old Trafford to face Manchester United.