World Cup star sent off for covering his mouth in exchange with rival player for the first time EVER
Paraguay attacker Miguel Almiron was sent off in Friday’s game against Turkey for covering his mouth in a confrontation with a rival player.
The new rule was introduced in April ahead of the tournament to help combat racism after Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior alleged he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni when he covered his mouth while talking to the Brazil star in a Champions League game.
Almiron has now become the first player to get a red card as a result of the new rule, although there is no immediate suggestion that he said anything racist towards an opponent.
Players on both teams had clashed after one of Almiron’s teammates went down hurt. Almiron then appeared to hold his hand briefly over his face as he walked past Turkey’s Mert Muldur, who immediately tried to get the attention of the referee.
The referee for the game, Ivan Barton, went over to his video monitor and with the help of VAR, showed Almiron a straight red.
Players across the world are often seen talking with their hand over their mouth, even when they aren’t arguing with opponents. Most of the time, they are cautious of their words being revealed by a lipreader.
Miguel Almiron was sent off for covering his mouth in an exchange with a rival player
Almiron (right) clearly had his hand over his face as he clashed with Mert Muldur
The new rules are not trying to stop that – players are still allowed to cover their mouth in a friendly manner but not when they are arguing.
The 32-year-old Almiron looked stunned by the decision but seemed to realize the error he had made as teammates went over to console him.
Officials had discussed the rule change with every team ahead of the tournament starting and players had been warned that the move would result in a red card.
The moment threatened to turn the game on its head after Paraguay, who needed to avoid defeat to keep their hopes of remaining in the tournament alive, had the perfect start to the game in the San Francisco Bay.
Matias Galarza had fired Paraguay into the lead with a superb low strike just two minutes into the game against Turkey.
But with one of their most experienced players sent off in added time of the first half, the team suddenly had difficult job ahead of them.
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