Watch… Almiron, the Paraguayan player, is the first victim of FIFA’s new rule sports

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron received a direct red card for covering his mouth during a conversation with Turkish player Mert Muldor on Saturday in the first case in which the new rule is applied in the FIFA World Cup.

Almiron was sent off in stoppage time of the first half following this conversation, and the expulsion was confirmed by the video assistant while Paraguay was leading 1-0 in the two teams’ match in Group D.

Players who cover their mouths with their hand, arm or shirt in situations involving a red card will receive a red card.

This rule came into effect after Gianluca Pristiani, the Benfica player, was accused of making discriminatory statements against Vinicius Junior, the Real Madrid player, while covering his mouth.

Pristiani was accused of racially abusing the Brazilian, and later received a six-match ban, three of which were suspended “due to discriminatory behaviour.”

The International Federation announced in April that it could now expel players who cover their mouths “in a confrontation with an opponent.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in March: “If you have nothing to hide, don’t hide your mouth when you say something, that’s it, it’s that simple.”