David Moyes set to stand witness in Lucas Paqueta spot-fixing trial with West Ham star facing LIFETIME ban
DAVID MOYES is expected to provide a witness statement as part of Lucas Paqueta’s spot-fixing hearing.
Part of the Brazil international’s defence is that he asked boss Moyes to be left out of a game at Bournemouth in August 2023.
Paqueta was booked in the game against the Cherries, one of the four yellow cards he is accused of deliberately picking up.
The midfielder’s team claim that he asked to be left out of the opening game of the season so as not to harm the possibility of an £85million move to Manchester City that month.
Moyes instead started the former Lyon man, who was booked for handball in the 94th minute before then being replaced by Maxwel Cornet.
Paqueta’s FA hearing began this week and could lead to a lifetime ban from football if found guilty, though he has denied all charges.
The Hammers playmaker is expected to call a number of witnesses as part of his defence, including gambling experts.
Suspicious betting patterns around Paqueta being booked in Premier League games were flagged by numerous bookmakers, including West Ham’s main sponsor, Betway.
Paqueta has played 28 times this season – scoring four goals – having missed only four games with three of those down to injury.
Boss Graham Potter said earlier in March: “He’s fine.
“He’s been disappointed because he’s missed games with injury, but he’s worked hard and trained well this week.
“I’ve found him no problem whatsoever. The other stuff is out of my hands, but with us he’s been really good.”
The Hammers went into the international break 16th in the league – but still 17 points clear of safety.