New FIFA rule explained after Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie gets sent off for a silly moment vs Mexico
Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie has faced criticism after becoming the second player to get a red card for covering his mouth during Ecuador’s World Cup round of 32 loss to Mexico. The hosts Mexico moved to the round of 16 with a 2-0 win, thanks to goals by Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez at the Estadio Azteca.
In stoppage time, Arsenal’s defender Hincapie was shown a red card following a VAR review after a clash with Mexico’s Santiago Gimenez. The 24-year-old covered his mouth while talking to Gimenez, who then caught the referee’s attention by copying the mouth-covering gesture. The referee checked the video replay on a pitchside screen before deciding to send Hincapie off.
Following FIFA’s new rule, Hincapie became the second player to be sent off for this behavior after Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron. He’s also the first Premier League player to be punished under this rule. Frustrated, Hincapie angrily removed his wrist tape and walked off the pitch.
On social media, some fans called Hincapie “stupid” and a “complete idiot” for what led to his dismissal. On Australian channel SBS, a panel member said Hincapie was trying to get attention and called his actions childish and unnecessary.
Hincapie is expected to serve a one-game ban, which won’t affect this summer’s tournament since Ecuador is out. FIFA’s disciplinary committee may increase the punishment if they see fit.
This rule was introduced after an incident involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who covered his mouth and was accused of making a racist comment to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr earlier this year. Prestianni denied the racist remark but admitted to a homophobic comment. He was initially banned for six games, but the suspension was later extended to include the World Cup, which would have kept him out if Argentina had picked him.
Almiron made history as the first player sent off for this rule during a game against Turkey, but England’s Jude Bellingham avoided punishment for a similar moment when chatting with Ghana’s captain Jordan Ayew. Even Lionel Messi covered his mouth while talking to teammates in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria.
Before the World Cup, FIFA’s head of referees explained the rule clearly. He said players can cover their mouths while chatting in a friendly way, even with an arm or shirt. But if the conversation is heated or confrontational, covering the mouth is seen as doing something wrong and results in a red card.
Mexico will now face the winner of England vs. DR Congo on their home turf this Sunday evening.