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West Ham star Lucas Paqueta cut a figure of fury after being taken off in the club's 5-0 Europa League win over Freiburg.

The Brazilian scored the opener of the Hammers' second leg to cancel out the Bundesliga side's one-goal advantage.

Paqueta was left fuming by his substitution
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Paqueta was left fuming by his substitutionCredit: TNT Sports

Strikes from Jarrod Bowen and Aaron Cresswell put the Irons in full control of the tie and put them on course for the quarter-finals.

David Moyes then wasted little time in withdrawing the influential Paqueta, but the player himself was angry with the decision.

Paqueta refused to acknowledge his manager as he was replaced by James Ward-Prowse and marched straight to the bench.

He then chucked his shin pads on the floor in frustration and had to be consoled by his teammates on the bench.

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Moyes was soon vindicated by his decision, with Mohammed Kudus later scoring twice to book West Ham's place in the next round.

It was Paqueta's initial goal after nine minutes that set West Ham on their way, with the former Lyon star poking home from close range.

The Hammers are back in Premier League action on Sunday which sparked the Scot's initial move to rest star attacker Paqueta.

The east London outfit host European rivals Aston Villa on Sunday - who are also in Thursday action against Ajax.

Paqueta had to be consoled by teammates on the bench
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Paqueta had to be consoled by teammates on the benchCredit: TNT

Moyes later revealed Paqueta was taken off as a muscle precaution after stressing he had no problem with his reaction.

Speaking after the game, Moyes said: "He had an injury in the first half and I was going to take him off at half time.

"He wanted to stay on at half time but I just felt as if we got the goal and I didn't see the point of risking him with a game on Sunday.

"I've got to make sure his injury wasn't going to get any worse. It's good, I like it when they don't like coming off.

"It shows you they care a wee bit!"

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