WEST HAM fans spotted Lucas Paqueta going over to hug Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola before the Hammers’ clash with the champions on Saturday.
The Brazilian midfielder, 26, was in talks over a move to the Etihad during the summer, before the deal collapsed.
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Lucas Paqueta went over to Pep Guardiola before West Ham’s clash with Manchester City
Paqueta and Guardiola also hugged after the match
But before a ball was kicked at the London Stadium, he made a point of heading over to Man City head coach Guardiola.
Paqueta hugged the Spaniard and also greeted assistant coach Juanma Lillo.
He also embraced Guardiola at full-time.
And many West Ham supporters were left furious with his actions.
Reacting on social media, one said: “Why did Paqueta shake Pep’s hand like that ffs?”
Another added: “Paqueta begging it to the Man City bench. No respect.”
While a replied: “Paqueta running over to Guardiola to beg friend before kick off. Pathetic.”
West Ham went on to lose the game 3-1 despite going in at half-time with a 1-0 lead.
The hosts took the lead after James Ward-Prowse’s goal, but Man City drew even 43 seconds into the second half thanks to Jeremy Doku.
Then, in the 76th minute, Bernardo Silva gave Guardiola’s team the lead before Erling Haaland added a late third.
Paqueta has played each of West Ham’s five Premier League games so far this season despite being under investigation by the FA for allegedly engaging in suspicious betting.
He has helped David Moyes’ team in 46 games after joining from Lyon for $51 million last year. He has produced six goals and eight assists.