Miguel Almirón Becomes First Player Red-Carded for Covering Mouth at World Cup

Paraguay international Miguel Almirón has become the first player in World Cup history to be shown a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent. The incident occurred during Paraguay’s group stage match against Turkey in San Francisco.

The former Newcastle United winger, now 32, was seen obscuring his mouth with his hand as he spoke to Turkey’s Mert Muldur. Muldur immediately alerted an official, and following a review by the video assistant referee (VAR), El Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton issued the red card. The dismissal took place just before half-time, with Paraguay holding a 1-0 lead.

Clinton Morrison, a former Republic of Ireland striker and commentator for BBC Radio 5 Live, commented on the situation: “If you know the rules, you shouldn’t do it. You’ve got to credit the referee and the VAR for making that decision. Not everyone would agree with it, but if those are the rules, you’ve got to stick by the rules.”

New Regulation Explained

This new rule, aimed at preventing potential dissent or offensive language, is being implemented for the first time at this World Cup. The International Football Association Board (Ifab) decided to introduce it at a meeting in Vancouver in April. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously expressed support for such a measure, suggesting referees should operate under the presumption that players covering their mouths might be saying something inappropriate.

The final decision to issue a red card rests with the referee, who will assess all circumstances surrounding the incident.

Previous Incidents and Context

The issue of players covering their mouths gained prominence earlier in the year. In February, Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was involved in an incident with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr during a Champions League game. Prestianni was accused of racist abuse, which he denied. Following a Uefa investigation, he was found guilty of homophobic conduct and received a six-match ban, with three matches suspended.

Almirón himself was involved in another notable VAR decision during Paraguay’s opening World Cup match against the United States. Initially, US defender Tim Ream was booked for a foul on Almirón. However, a VAR review determined that Almirón had dived, leading to him receiving a yellow card instead.

Key Facts

The implementation of this rule underscores FIFA’s commitment to maintaining sportsmanship and preventing unsporting behavior on the field. While Almirón’s red card is a historic first, it serves as a clear message to players about adherence to new regulations designed to enhance the integrity of the game. For fans and players alike, it highlights the evolving nature of football’s rulebook and the increasing reliance on technology like VAR to enforce them.

Source: BBC Sport Football https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cvg58m7n1plo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss