- Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón (32) received his first red card at the 2026 World Cup for holding his hand up while talking.
- Referee Iván Barton sent him off in injury time of the first half against Turkey.
- The new rule is intended to prevent discriminatory statements – the debate was triggered by an incident with Vinícius Júnior.
Paraguay national player Miguel Almirón was the first professional footballer to win the World Cup Red card seen because he held his hand over his mouth in a dispute with his opponent. The 32-year-old from Atlanta United had to leave the field in stoppage time in the first half of the game against Turkey due to a new rule.
During a break in the game, Almirón said something to his Turkish opponent Mert Müldür with his hand held in front of him. Referee Iván Barton from El Salvador made the decision after a tip from the video referee. “Number ten Paraguay, hand over his mouth,” said Barton during the announcement in the stadium and shouted: “Red card.”
Situation with Real star Vinícius Júnior triggers new rule
The newly introduced rule is intended to prevent discriminatory behavior. By covering their mouths, players often want to prevent anyone from recognizing what they are saying. Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the Fifa Referees Commission, emphasized before the tournament that these are confrontational situations. “If they know it – if it is clear to everyone – then we expect the players not to do anything like that.”
The debate broke out after an incident in the Champions League. Benfica Lisbon’s Gianluca Prestianni pulled his jersey over his mouth in an argument with Real star Vinícius Júnior. Prestianni was suspected of making racist comments. He was banned for making a homophobic comment. Fifa President Gianni Infantino publicly advocated for a new rule.
Sven Forster (fss) has been working for 20 minutes since 2018. He has been working as a leaf maker since the beginning of 2024. He has been heading the sports department since September 2024.
