Former Premier League star Miguel Almiron has become the first player to be sent off at the World Cup for covering their mouth during a game.
Among the spate of new rules introduced in time for this summer’s competition in Mexico, Canada and the United States, FIFA confirmed ‘any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card.’
Paraguay took on Turkey in the early hours of Saturday morning in a must-win game following their opening day defeat to USA.
The South Americans scored just two minutes into the contest through Matias Galarza but were reduced to 10 men just before half-time, managing to hold on and claim a vital three points.
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It was Almiron who made that unwanted piece of history with that red card.
The former Newcastle United star turned to Turkey player Mert Mulder, covering his mouth with his hand while the two were in conversation.
Mulder immediately burst away to inform the match officials with a VAR review taking place.
The referee was left with no choice but to send off Almiron.
The new rule is not a blanket ban on players covering mouths. Players are still permitted to do so with their teammates, such as in free kick scenarios to prevent the opposition from figuring out he will be taking the set piece.
Fifa’s ban comes into play when it is used in a ‘confrontational situation.’
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro refused to comment on the red card decision, but admitted he felt ‘like everything was conspiring’ against his team during the game.
Despite the sending off, victory for Paraguay gives a good chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of the World Cup.
They face Australia next Thursday in their final group game which is likely to be a straight shoot-out for the chance to qualify as group runners up behind USA.
Turkey meanwhile have been eliminated after losing their opening two games.