Whilst the Hammers were getting thrashed last night and the knives were being sharpened – understandably so in my opinion – for the board, the chairman, the vice chairman and the manager – and indeed several of the players – who all made their sorry contributions to this spectacle, I’m not sure that all of the ‘morning after’ anger is fairly directed.
Several of the Hammers’ regular blog and news sites carried articles criticising Lucas Paquetá for his ‘ill judged’ instagram post amidst a team crisis. The post in question is here:
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Loosely translated, the Brazilian’s post stated “It’s all about pointing to the one who deserves to be glorified and exalted, regardless of the circumstances, God.”
Now as usual, Paqueta’s performance was a mixture of maverick and maddening: A brilliant goal and theatrics, rolling around and losing possession. For the poor challenges and giving the ball away, by all means be critical. But after Lucas Paquetá’s two year ordeal at the hands of the FA and public opinion, knowing that he was likely to face a lifetime bam should the kangaroo court find him guilty, I think he deserves enormous credit and respect for the way he conducted himself.
Never missed training, always turned out from the club, didn’t disappear off to Brazil (or Manchester City) the moment his outcome was known: Compare Newcastle’s plight with Isak and I’d suggest Paquetá is a person with a different moral compass. So allow him his moment of triumph, his personal demons are now slayed and I’ll celebrate his wonderful goal and show a degree of tolerance to a somewhat ‘self absorbed’ post admidst a team crisis – after what he’s gone through.
Give the guy a break. There are plenty of other targets more worthwhile of supporter anger and anguish this morning.