Julen Lopetegui opens up on Lucas Paqueta’s future after cryptic message – as Andoni Iraola BLASTS VAR and claims stars are confused after controversial call to award West Ham penalty against Bournemouth

Julen Lopetegui insists Lucas Paqueta is ‘100 per cent’ committed to West Ham – despite his cryptic message ahead of West Ham’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.  

Paqueta scored from the spot three minutes from time when Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross struck Tyler Adams on the arm and the video referee awarded the penalty. 

It was only a stoppage time free kick from Enes Unal that saw the Cherries avoid defeat. 

Recent media reports claimed Paqueta is keen on a return to boyhood club Flamengo, though he ran over to embrace Lopetegui after scoring his penalty.

‘Did you see the match he played,’ said Lopetegui when asked if he saw Paqueta’s future at West Ham. ‘I think this is the answer.

‘The commitment and behaviour he showed today was 100 per cent with us. The only future I can think about him is he has to be ready for the next big challenge we have against Brighton.’

Lucas Paqueta converted from the penalty spot but Bournemouth equalised in the 90th minute

Andoni Iraola blasted VAR for going against refereeing advice – after West Ham were awarded a late penalty against Bournemouth

Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross struck Tyler Adams’ arm, but managers had been advised that defenders do not need to put their hands behind their backs

Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola blasted VAR for going against its own advice to managers in awarding West Ham the penalty that almost cost Bournemouth the game.

‘I’m very disappointed by the penalty,’ said Iraola. ‘It’s an action we spoke with referees about before the season. They gave express instruction not to tell our players to defend with their hands behind their back because it was not a natural and they didn’t want football to become something like this.

‘I said “okay we give this instructions because it’s costing us penalties” and they said “don’t worry, it is natural, it is not going to cost you.” Oh. The first one, it’s a penalty.

‘Anyone who has played football, you are running to defend a cross, you finish with one hand down and one up. Always. What do I tell my defenders next week?

‘Now I don’t know what they [PGMOL] are going to tell us. It cost us two points today.’