Paraguay's Almiron becomes 1st player red-carded at World Cup for covering mouth
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player at the 2022 World Cup to receive a red card for covering his mouth while speaking during a confrontation with Turkey's Mert Mulder, a new rule introduced this year.
- The incident occurred during first-half stoppage time in the Group D match, leading to Almiron's ejection after a video review by referee Ivan Barton, despite Paraguay leading 1-0 and ultimately winning the match with ten men.
- Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro expressed regret over the strictness of the rule, stating it may be too harsh and detracts from the game's essence, while noting Almiron apologized to his teammates for the mistake.
- Almiron's red card will cause him to miss Paraguay's final group stage match against Australia, with the possibility of an extended suspension affecting knockout round eligibility.
- This marks the second time Almiron has been penalized under new World Cup rules, having received a yellow card after video review in the opening match against the United States.
