The Football Association (FA) accused the Brazilian international of purposefully collecting yellow cards against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds, and Bournemouth in 2022 and 2023.
In the event of a guilty verdict, the West Ham player might lose out on a transfer to Manchester City and receive a lengthy suspension from the sport.
But in response to the accusation made against him by the Premier League FA, his pals have defended him.
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.
According to Daily Mail, one said, “He achieved this with a lot of sacrifice with his grandfather, mother, father, and uncles.
“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.
“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.
“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.
