Unlike at the World Cup, UEFA competitions will not issue red cards when players cover their mouths during a dispute with the opposing team. According to UEFA, referees will assess each situation on its own merits and weigh whether a yellow card is warranted if the action is an attempt to hide communication as an act of unsportsmanlike conduct, the BBC reported. Disciplinary proceedings could follow afterward.
During the World Cup, Paraguay international Miguel Almirón became the first footballer to receive a red card in such a scenario during the group stage against Turkey (1-0). Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié was also sent off in the Round of 16 against Mexico (0-2).
Situation with Real star Vinícius Júnior: Trigger for a new rule
The rule is designed to curb discriminatory behavior. By covering their mouths, players often try to hide what they are saying. The emphasis is on confrontational moments, said Pierluigi Collina, head of FIFA’s referees committee, before the tournament. “If they know it — if it’s obvious to everyone — we expect players not to do such things.”
The debate flared after an incident in a Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica of Lisbon. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni pulled his jersey up to cover his mouth during a confrontation with Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior. Prestianni faced accusations of making racist remarks, which he denied. UEFA suspended the Argentinian for six games, three of them suspended (on probation), for a homophobic remark, TheColu.mn reported.
