Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSports StaffSaturday 20 June 2026 10:28 BSTMiguel Almiron could not believe his dismissal by referee Ivan Barton (Reuters)Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player to receive a red card for covering his mouth during an altercation, leading to his dismissal in first-half stoppage time.Paraguay secured a 1-0 World Cup victory over Turkey, despite playing with 10 men for much of the match.The new rule sanctions players with a red card for covering their mouth in confrontational situations with opponents.It was introduced following a controversy involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr, where Prestianni was accused of racist abuse.Matias Galarza scored Paraguay's winning goal in the second minute, and Turkey's defeat resulted in their elimination from the tournament.In fullMiguel Almiron becomes first player sent off for covering mouth at World CupThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in