A picture of England midfielder Jude Bellingham covering his mouth while talking to Ghana’s Jordan Ayew has caused controversy.
A law was brought in for the 2026 World Cup which says a player can be sent off if they hide their mouth when speaking to an opponent.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino requested it was introduced after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was given a six-match ban by Uefa for homophobic conduct towards Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr during a Champions League game in February.
Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off for the offence against Turkey at the weekend when the video assistant referee (VAR) stepped in to advise a red card.
So why was Bellingham not shown a red card on a VAR review in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw in Boston?
The context is key. Covering the mouth has not been banned. Doing so in a confrontation with another player has.
Before the tournament Pierluigi Collina, Fifa’s head of referees, was quite clear.
“Players can continue to cover their mouth with an arm and the shirt because they may chat with friends,” Collina said.
“It’s normal to a chat before, during or after the match.
“So if the conversation is a friendly conversation, they can continue to do it without any problem.
“When the conversation is confrontational, covering the mouth means that you are doing something very wrong, potentially, and the sanction is the red card.”
Why Almiron’s red card was different
Throughout almost every game at this World Cup you will find examples of players talking to each other while covering their mouth. Even referees have been doing it.
Importantly, there was no animosity between Bellingham and Ayew – it was merely two players chatting.
Credit: bbc.com
