Player once linked with Newcastle now facing a hefty punishment after being found guilty of major rule breaches

There was a time, not so long ago, that Newcastle United fans were demanding of the board that we sign Bruno Guimaraes' best friend Lucas Paqueta as a double deal.

Instead, Paqueta ended up going to West Ham United and after a slow start, eventually found his feet at the Hammers and became a massive player for David Moyes' side.

So much so that Manchester City came knocking at one point, but then backed away when it came to light that Paqueta was under investigation for breaching FA rules E5 and F3.

What are rules E5 and F3 I hear you ask? Well, if you thought what Sandro Tonali did was bad ... brace yourself.

Lucas Paqueta has been a very naughty boy

In a post put out by Fabrizio Romano on X it was revealed that Paqueta has been intentionally trying to pick up bookings in order to influence the betting market.

"OFFICIAL: Lucas Paquetá has been charged by English FA with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3.

“It’s alleged that he directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting”.

"Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2.

"The player has until 03 June 2024 to provide a response."

Another top talent has put a black mark on their career

It is what essentially boils down to a form of match-fixing, so Paqueta could find himself being slapped with a huge ban and a fine to go along with it.

While picking up a yellow card won't directly influence the match or indeed the result, it's still warping the stats of the game for personal gain and surely that's got to land him with a hefty punishment.

We think it's safe to say that his move to Manchester City may have to wait.