Paraguayan Midfielder Almiron Makes History as First Player Ejected for Hand Over Mouth

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Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron claimed an unwanted piece of football history on Friday after becoming the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation under new FIFA rules.

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Former Newcastle player Almiron was given his marching orders in first half stoppage time after covering his mouth while he appeared to direct a comment at Turkey’s Mert Muldur during the two teams’ World Cup Group D game in Santa Clara, California.

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Paraguay were leading 1-0 when Almiron was dismissed following a VAR review.

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FIFA announced in April that players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will be given a red card.

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The initiative being rolled out at the World Cup is part of a broader effort to combat racism, FIFA has said.

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The new rule follows controversy earlier this year when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was accused of racially abusing Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior during a Champions League game in February.

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Prestianni denied racially abusing Vinicius but was later banned for six matches — with three of those suspended — for “homophobic conduct”.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been a prominent supporter of the new law.

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“If you do not have something to hide, you don’t hide your mouth when you say something. That’s it, as simple as that,” Infantino said in March.

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