*As Knockout Hopes Stay Alive

Paraguay attacker Miguel Almiron has become the first player at the World Cup to be shown a red card for covering his mouth during a confrontation with an opponent.

Almiron was sent off late in the first half of Paraguay’s match against Turkey after clashing with Turkish defender Mert Muldur.

The incident occurred after players from both teams confronted one another following an injury to Paraguay’s Isidro Pitta. As Almiron walked past Muldur, he briefly placed his hand over his face while speaking. Muldur immediately drew the attention of the referee, Ivan Barton.

Barton reviewed the incident on the pitch-side monitor with the assistance of video replay before showing Almiron a straight red card.

The decision was made under a new rule introduced in April ahead of the tournament to combat racism and abusive language during confrontations. The rule followed an incident involving Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, who alleged that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni racially abused him while covering his mouth during a Champions League match.

There was, however, no immediate suggestion that Almiron made any racist remark to his opponent.

Players are often seen covering their mouths while speaking during matches, usually to prevent their words from being read by lip readers. FIFA has clarified that the new rule does not prohibit friendly conversations in which players cover their mouths.

FIFA referee chief Pierluigi Collina had explained before the tournament that the offence arises where the gesture is made during a confrontation.

“If it is a friendly conversation, they can continue to do it without any problem,” Collina said.

“We respect that there are players who are friends and it is normal to chat before, during or after the match. When it is confrontational, it is a completely different story. Covering the mouth means you are doing something potentially very wrong.

“This is something you do on purpose. It is not something that a player can do instinctively.”

Almiron appeared stunned by the decision but later seemed to realise the significance of the rule breach as teammates consoled him.

The red card means the 32-year-old is expected to miss Paraguay’s final group match against Australia next Thursday, a game that could determine whether Paraguay reach the knockout stage.

Officials had reportedly discussed the rule with all participating teams before the tournament, warning players that covering the mouth during confrontations would attract an immediate red card.

The dismissal threatened to change the course of the match. Paraguay had taken an early lead through Matias Galarza, who scored with a low strike just two minutes into the game in San Francisco Bay.

Despite playing the second half with 10 men, Paraguay held on to secure a 1-0 victory over Turkey, keeping alive their hopes of progressing to the next round.

Paraguay had lost their opening match 4-1 to the United States in Los Angeles, while Turkey suffered a 2-0 defeat to Australia before losing to Paraguay. The defeat confirmed Turkey’s elimination from the tournament.

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