Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié became the second player to receive a red card at the World Cup due to FIFA’s new rule, which mandates a player be sent off for covering their mouth during a confrontational exchange. This incident occurred in the 95th minute of Ecuador’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the round of 32, following an exchange with Mexico’s Santi Giménez. The rule aims to prevent players from concealing abusive remarks by covering their mouths. Previously, Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón was the first to be penalized under this rule during a group stage match against Turkey. With Ecuador’s World Cup journey concluded, Hincapié will face suspension in the team’s next international match.
QUESTION: How might FIFA’s new rule about covering mouths during confrontations change the way players communicate on the field?
Ecuador’s Hincapié becomes the second player sent off for covering his mouth at the World Cup
