Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron has become the first player to receive a red card under FIFA's new rule banning players from covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents.
The incident occurred in first-half stoppage time of Paraguay's Group D clash against Turkey after Almiron and Turkish defender Mert Mulder exchanged words following a foul.
As Almiron covered his mouth while speaking to Mulder, the Turkey defender immediately appealed to referee Ivan Barton. After reviewing the incident, Barton showed Almiron a straight red card.
The dismissal was made under a new law approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in April, which allows referees to send off players who cover their mouths during confrontational situations. The rule was introduced to help combat discriminatory and abusive language on the pitch by preventing players from hiding what they say.
Despite playing the entire second half with 10 men, Paraguay held on to secure a 1-0 victory, boosting their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
After the match, Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro revealed Almiron had apologised to his teammates for the incident.
"He knew about the situation he had left his teammates in with his actions. It happened, and it happened," Alfaro said.
The red card means Almiron will miss Paraguay's final Group D match against Australia, where qualification for the Round of 32 could be at stake.
It was also the second time the Newcastle United midfielder had fallen foul of one of football's new rules during the tournament. In Paraguay's opening match against the United States, a VAR review overturned a yellow card shown to Tim Ream and instead booked Almiron for simulation.
The World Cup has already seen six red cards, with Almiron's dismissal becoming one of the tournament's most talked-about disciplinary decisions.
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