West Ham Player Allegedly Took Yellow Card for Giving His Brother Birthday Gift

^{Pictured: Lucas Paquetá, West Ham midfielder}

West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá deliberately picked up a yellow card in a Premier League match as a way to give his brother a birthday present, according to reports citing a Brazilian Senate investigation into match-fixing and betting manipulation.

So, what kind of “gift” are we talking about? Paquetá’s brother had placed a bet on him receiving a yellow card, cashing in when the booking happened.

The match in question was West Ham vs. Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Paquetá was booked during the game.

The midfielder made several reckless challenges from behind before eventually receiving a caution from the referee.

In May last year, the English FA formally charged Paquetá with breaching betting-related rules, alleging he deliberately picked up yellow cards in four matches. Despite the charges, the Brazilian international remains active for his club.

A final verdict is expected in court this March, while Brazilian authorities are also conducting a separate investigation into potential betting fraud. If found guilty, the 27-year-old could face a lifetime ban from football.