Paraguayan winger Miguel Almiron was shown a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent during Paraguay’s World Cup group match against Turkey in San Francisco.
At 32, Almiron used his hand to cover his mouth as he spoke to Turkey’s Mert Muldur, prompting the nearby official to take notice.
After a video review by the VAR, El Salvadorian referee Ivan Barton informed the crowd that he was dismissing the former Newcastle United winger.
The incident took place just before halftime, with Paraguay holding a 1-0 lead.
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator and former Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison remarked, “Knowing the rules, you shouldn’t do it. He deserves credit to the referee and VAR for the decision.”
“While not universally accepted, the decision must be upheld as the rules dictate.”
