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Miguel Almirón shown straight red after covering his mouth in World Cup match
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- Miguel Almirón shown straight red after covering his mouth in World Cup match
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Miguel Almirón made unwanted World Cup history after being shown a straight red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.
The decision was unusual enough to become the main talking point from Paraguay 's win over Turkey, even though the match also carried real Group D stakes.
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It was not about proving what Almirón said. It was about the act of trying to hide it.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Miguel Almirón red card brings World Cup mouth-covering rule into focus
A TouchlineX post said Almirón was sent off after covering his mouth while speaking to a rival during the World Cup.
The incident came in first-half stoppage time of Paraguay's Group D match against Turkey. Paraguay were already 1-0 up after Matías Galarza scored.
Almirón was involved in a confrontation with Turkey defender Mert Müldür. He covered his mouth while speaking, Müldür appealed, and referee Iván Barton sent Almirón off after a VAR check.
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The rule is designed to stop players hiding abusive or discriminatory language during confrontational moments. Reports have linked it to the earlier Champions League incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Júnior .
That is why the controversy is so sharp. Officials did not need to prove what Almirón said. Under the new interpretation, the concealed-mouth gesture in that situation was enough.
Paraguay beat Turkey despite Miguel Almirón World Cup dismissal
Paraguay still held on for a 1-0 win in Santa Clara, even after playing the entire second half with 10 men.
Turkey pushed hard after the red card, but Paraguay defended deep and protected the early lead. Orlando Gill had to make key saves as Turkey chased the equalizer.
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The result was huge for Group D. Turkey were eliminated after the defeat, while Paraguay kept their tournament hopes alive despite losing one of their biggest names to suspension.
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro later accepted the decision in practical terms, saying that according to the law, covering the mouth meant a red card.
Paraguay got the result, but Almirón's red card will travel further than the scoreline. It showed players that even a small gesture can now carry a tournament-changing punishment.
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