Almiron Makes World Cup History with Unusual Red Card

Paraguay winger Miguel Almiron became the first footballer ever to receive a straight red card for covering his mouth during a confrontation, receiving marching orders during their 1-0 win over Turkey in a FIFA World Cup clash.

He was sent off during first-half stoppage time at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium as in the third minute of added time Almiron was seen raising his hand to hide his mouth while speaking directly to Turkish right-back Mert Muldur following a midfield scuffle.

Following a prompt pitchside Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention, Salvadoran referee Iván Barton marched to the monitor, reviewed the footage, and returned to brandish a direct red card to Almiron, who had by then realised his mistake.

"Any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card," a new rule states, which was introduced into effect by FIFA to counter hidden discriminatory, homophobic, or racist slurs on the pitch.