Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón gets first-ever red card for covering mouth in situation of confrontation
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón received the first-ever red card for talking with his mouth covered during a World Cup Group D match against Turkey, following a VAR review and referee consultation.
- The incident occurred in first-half added time when Almirón appeared to speak to Turkey’s Mert Müldür while covering his mouth, prompting Müldür to alert the assistant referee.
- This red card is the first enforcement of a new IFAB rule introduced in April, which penalizes players with a red card if they cover their mouth while confronting an opponent, a measure aimed at preventing concealed abusive language.
- Almirón’s sending off means he will miss Paraguay’s next group-stage match against Australia, with FIFA’s disciplinary committee having the option to extend his suspension.
- There is no evidence that Almirón’s words were abusive, and FIFA officials have clarified that friendly conversations with a covered mouth are allowed, while confrontational behavior is punishable.
