Piero Hincapie, a defender for Arsenal, received a red card during Ecuador’s World Cup last-32 match against Mexico. The incident occurred in second-half stoppage time at the Azteca Stadium, where Ecuador was defeated 2-0. Hincapie was dismissed for covering his mouth while speaking to Mexico’s Santiago Gimenez, an action that now results in an automatic red card under new tournament rules.
This marks the second instance in the current World Cup where a player has been sent off for this specific offense. Earlier in the tournament, Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was also shown a red card for covering his mouth during a confrontation against Turkey. Almiron subsequently received a one-game suspension for his actions.
New rule enforcement
The new rule, introduced ahead of the tournament, stipulates that any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the rules of the game, amended its laws in April to include this provision. This change was prompted by an incident in a UEFA Champions League match in February involving Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, where Vinicius Jr alleged racial abuse after Prestianni spoke to him with his mouth covered.
During the confrontation between Hincapie and Gimenez, play had been stopped after Ecuador’s Kendry Paez was booked for a foul. As players waited for the restart, Hincapie and Gimenez engaged in a heated exchange, which included them squaring up and touching heads before being separated by the referee. Gimenez then alerted the referee that Hincapie had spoken to him with his hand over his mouth.
Initially, it did not appear that a punishment would be issued. However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) advised the referee to review the incident at the pitchside monitor. Following the VAR review, the referee returned and issued a red card to Hincapie, a decision that was met with approval from many fans at the Azteca Stadium.
Former Premier League midfielder Jobi McAnuff commented on the rule, stating that if a player covers their mouth, they are likely saying something they should not be. He emphasised that players are aware of this clear instruction and cannot engage in such behaviour. McAnuff expressed support for the rule, suggesting that covering one’s mouth in such a context implies an intent to conceal what is being said.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously stated in March that if a player covers their mouth and says something with a racist consequence, they must be sent off. FIFA referee chief Pierluigi Collina further clarified in June that while friendly conversations with covered mouths are permissible, confrontational situations are different, as covering the mouth in such instances suggests potentially inappropriate conduct. Collina noted that this action is deliberate, not instinctive.
Match outcome and future fixtures
Despite the dismissal, Ecuador had already been outplayed by Mexico. Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, and Raul Jimenez added a second goal in the 31st minute, contributing to Mexico’s 2-0 victory. The match, which was delayed by an hour due to adverse weather, was played in a lively atmosphere in Mexico City.
This victory marks Mexico’s first knockout stage win in 40 years. They will now advance to the last-16, where they are scheduled to face either England or DR Congo. That match will take place back at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday night.
For Hincapie, the red card means an automatic one-match ban. FIFA’s disciplinary committee retains the authority to extend this suspension if deemed necessary. Almiron, who was the first player to incur this penalty, had his ban maintained at one game. Hincapie, who recently made his loan move to Arsenal permanent, was seen smiling wryly and applauding as he left the pitch.
Mexico’s next game is scheduled for Monday, July 6, at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
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Source: independent.co.uk
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
