Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron stamped his name in the record books on Friday, for the wrong reasons by officially becoming the first player in football history, to be shown red card for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontational situation, in violation of new FIFA rules.
Paraguay, in one of the second 2026 World Cup Group D matches played at the Levi’s Stadium in Carliifornia, U.S., took the lead in the second minute with the match’s first attempt on target, scored by Matias Galarza.
However, in third minute of injury time in the first half, players from both sides were having a confrontation over a fouled Paraguay player, when Almiron, covered his mouth during a verbal exchange with Turkey’s Mert Müldür.
The attention of referee Iván Barton, who missed the incident, was called upon by the Video Assistant Referee to check the monitor to review the incident, after which he sent off the former Newcastle player.
Though down to ten men throughout the second half, Paraguay were able to hold on to the solitary goal to secure the maximum points.
As part of efforts to avoid concealing racist languages during matches, FIFA, in April, announced that players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents at the World Cup, will be given a red card.
The new rule emerged after Benfica player, Gianluca Prestianni, was banned for six matches, for allegedly racially abusing Real Madrid star Vinicius, Junior, while covering his mouth during a Champions League game in February. However, Prestianni denied the accusation.
