Paraguay attacker Miguel Almiron became the first player at the World Cup to be shown a red card for covering his mouth, getting sent off against Turkey in a confrontation with a rival player late in the first half.

The new rule was introduced in April ahead of the tournament to help combat racism. It stemmed from Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior alleging he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni when he covered his mouth while talking to the Brazil star in a Champions League game.

Almiron has now become the first player to get a red card as a result of the new rule, although there was no immediate suggestion that he said anything racist towards his opponent. 

Players on both teams had clashed after one of Almiron’s teammates, Isidro Pitta, went down hurt. Almiron then briefly held his hand over his face as he walked past Turkey’s Mert Muldur, who immediately tried to get the attention of the referee.

The official, Ivan Barton, went over to his video monitor and after getting the help of VAR, showed Almiron a straight red.

Players across the world are often seen talking with their hand over their mouth, even when they aren’t arguing with opponents. Most of the time, they are cautious of their words being revealed by a lipreader. 

Miguel Almiron was sent off for covering his mouth in an exchange with a rival player

Almiron (right) clearly had his hand over his face as he clashed with Mert Muldur 

The new rules are not trying to stop that, given how much of a habit it has become. Players are still allowed to cover their mouth in a friendly manner but not when they are arguing. 

‘If it is a friendly conversation, they can continue to do it without any problem,’ FIFA referee chief Pierluigi Collina explained in June.

‘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.’

The 32-year-old Almiron looked stunned by the decision but seemed to realize the error he had made as teammates went over to console him. 

It could well mean that Almiron’s World Cup is over. Paraguay are battling to reach the last-32 and the straight red card means he will be suspended for the team’s final group game against Australia next Thursday. 

Officials had discussed the rule change with every team ahead of the tournament starting and players had been warned that the move would result in a red card.

The moment threatened to turn the game on its head. Paraguay, who needed to avoid defeat to keep their hopes of remaining in the tournament alive, had the perfect start to the game in the San Francisco Bay.

Trukey players rushed over to tell the officials that Almiron had covered his mouth 

Almiron looked devastated after he saw the red card – it could end his World Cup tournament

Matias Galarza had fired Paraguay into the lead with a superb low strike just two minutes into the game against Turkey.

But with one of their most experienced players sent off in added time in the first half, the team suddenly had difficult job ahead of them. 

Paraguay were thrashed 4-1 by the United States in Los Angeles last Friday, their opening game of the tournament. Turkey, meanwhile, were beaten 2-0 by Australia, meaning victory was vital for both teams.