A new World Cup rule made its debut in dramatic fashion Friday in Santa Clara, California, when Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron was ejected from a Group D match against Turkey after covering his mouth during a confrontation with Turkish player Mert Muldur.
Almiron received a straight red card in first-half stoppage time, marking the first time the regulation has been enforced at the current World Cup. At the moment of his dismissal, Paraguay was ahead 1-0. Video review technology confirmed the call stood.
Under the rule, any player who uses their hand, arm, or shirt to cover their mouth during a confrontational situation on the field is subject to an automatic red card. The regulation was introduced following an incident involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who was accused of directing discriminatory remarks at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. while concealing his mouth.
