Miguel Almiron sent off at World Cup for covering mouth while speaking

Paraguay's Miguel Almiron has become the first player to be sent off at the World Cup for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent during his side's group match against Turkey in San Francisco.

The incident occurred just before half-time with Paraguay leading 1-0. The 32-year-old Almiron obscured his mouth with his hand while addressing Turkey's Mert Muldur, who immediately signaled to officials nearby. Following a VAR review, referee Ivan Barton from El Salvador announced the dismissal of the former Newcastle United winger.

This new rule was implemented for the first time at this tournament following a special International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting in Vancouver in April. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously expressed support for such measures, suggesting referees should operate on the presumption that players covering their mouths might be saying something inappropriate.

If you know the rules, you shouldn't do it. You've got to credit the referee and the VAR for making that decision. Not everyone would agree with it, but if those are the rules, you've got to stick by the rules. Clinton Morrison

The referee retains absolute discretion to issue a red card after considering all the circumstances surrounding the interaction.