Almiron sent off for mouth-covering incident in World Cup Clash
The incident occurred during a tense exchange on the pitch, when Almirón was seen speaking to a Turkish player while shielding his mouth with his hand.
KATHMANDU: Paraguay star Miguel Almirón was shown a straight red card in a controversial moment during Friday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Türkiye, after appearing to cover his mouth while speaking to an opponent.
The incident occurred during a tense exchange on the pitch, when Almirón was seen speaking to a Turkish player while shielding his mouth with his hand.
After a VAR review, referee Ivan Arsides Barton Cisneros issued a direct red card, sending the Paraguayan forward off the field.
According to match officials, the dismissal was linked to a newly enforced FIFA regulation for the 2026 World Cup cycle, aimed at curbing abusive or discriminatory behavior.
The rule reportedly states that players who cover their mouth with their hand, arm, or jersey while addressing opponents in heated situations may be penalized with a straight red card, as it is considered a potential attempt to conceal offensive or discriminatory language.
FIFA introduced the measure as part of its broader efforts to discourage verbal abuse and prevent racist or inflammatory remarks on the field. However, officials clarified that the rule does not apply to casual communication among teammates.
Almirón’s sending-off proved costly for Paraguay, who were leading 1–0 at halftime before being reduced to ten men at a crucial stage of the match. The decision has already sparked debate over interpretation and enforcement of the new regulation.
