Miguel Almiron from Paraguay received a direct red card during his team’s match at the 2026 World Cup on Friday.
Almiron was given marching orders by referee Ivan Arcides Barton Cisneros, after a VAR check, for covering his mouth while passing on a comment to a Turkiye player.
FIFA had introduced a new rule regarding such a situation prior to the World Cup.
The rule read: A player who covers his mouth with his hand, arm or shirt in confrontational situations will receive a red card. For example, players who cover their mouths while having friendly conversations with opposing teammates will not be punished.
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Published on June 20, 2026
