Almiron Sent Off for Covering Mouth During Paraguay vs Turkey
Miguel Almiron, who spent six years with Newcastle United before departing in 2025, became the first player to receive a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent during a World Cup group stage match. The incident took place in San Francisco during Paraguay's game against Turkey.
The 32-year-old Paraguayan midfielder obscured his mouth with his hand while communicating with Turkey's Mert Muldur. Muldur immediately reported the action to a nearby official. After a review by the video assistant referee (VAR), referee Ivan Barton from El Salvador informed the crowd that Almiron was being sent off. This occurred just before halftime, with Paraguay leading 1-0.
Commentating on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison stated:
"If you know the rules, you shouldn't do it. You've got to credit the referee and the VAR for making that decision. Not everyone would agree with it, but if those are the rules, you've got to stick by the rules."
New Rule on Covering Mouths Introduced at World Cup
This is the first World Cup where the rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths while speaking is being enforced. The International Football Association Board (Ifab) decided to implement this rule during a special meeting held in Vancouver in April.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino had previously expressed support for such a punishment, suggesting referees should operate under the "presumption" that players covering their mouths are saying something inappropriate. The final decision to issue a red card remains at the referee's absolute discretion, who must consider all circumstances before taking action.
The issue gained prominence earlier in the year during a Champions League match when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni raised his shirt while speaking to Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. Prestianni, an Argentina international, was initially accused of racist abuse, which he denied, and was provisionally banned for one match. After a UEFA investigation, he was found guilty of homophobic conduct and received a six-match ban, with three matches suspended.
Almiron's Previous Incident at the World Cup
Almiron had also been involved in another incident related to a new law during Paraguay's opening World Cup group match against the United States. Initially, the referee booked US defender Tim Ream for a foul on Almiron. However, after a VAR review, it was determined that Almiron had simulated the foul, resulting in a yellow card for the Paraguayan player instead.
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