SportFootballFIFA World CupEx-Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth after FIFA introduced the landmark ruling prior to the World Cup15:41, 20 Jun 2026Updated 16:00, 20 Jun 2026Former Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron has paid tribute to his Paraguay teammates after his record red card. The 32-year-old became the first player to be sent off for covering their mouth as he was dismissed during the first-half of their 1-0 win over Turkey.‌The incident occurred on the stroke of half-time when Turkey became incensed after referee Ivan Arcides Barton Cisneros stopped play to tend to Isidro Pitta, who was down injured, while they were attacking. A melee ensued and the players had to be separated but away from the disruption Almiron made the gesture as he walked past Mert Muldur, who immediately alerted the assistant referee on the near side.‌Matias Galarza's effort after just two minutes proved to be enough as the South American nation picked up a crucial win in Group D. They were made to work hard during the triumph and the task of maintaining their lead was made greater when the ex-Magpies man was given his marching orders on the stroke of half-time.‌Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!After their 4-0 drubbing by the hands of co-hosts USA in the group opener, Paraguay were staring down elimination after two games going into the encounter. However, their win meant Turkey, ranked 22nd in the FIFA world rankings, are out of the competition.In a post to his Instagram story, Almiron shared an image of his team-mates celebrating along with the message, which roughly translates to: "I want to thank the effort of my teammates today, leaving everything in each ball, thank you, thank you, thank you, a pride to be part of this selection."‌Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro revealed that Almiron had apologised to his team-mates after the incident. He said: "According to the law, if you cover your mouth you're sent off. Red card."There's nothing I can do about that. Unfortunately, we can't issue a new opinion on this."He [Almiron] apologised to the players for his mistake. He knew about the situation he had left his team-mates in with his actions."‌Ahead of the World Cup, FIFA introduced regulation that any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may now be sanctioned with a red card. The rule change came is in light of the controversy surrounding Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid ’s Vinicius Jr in a Champions League game in February.‌The Benfica man covered his mouth during a confrontation with Vinicius, who accused him of racist abuse. While they were unable to be prove it, Prestianni received a six-game ban from UEFA for homophobic conduct.Almiron will now miss Paraguay's final group game against Australia on June 26 in San Francisco. The Paraguayans sit third due to their inferior goal difference but a win would see them qualify for the knockout stages.Should either side finish third, they will hope that they finish as the best third-placed team with the top eight nation's finishing third moving in to the first knockout round via the trap door.Article continues belowChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌FIFAChampions LeagueFIFA World CupWorld Cup 2026