Hincapie’s dismissal and the new rule
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 when Hincapie was seen covering his mouth while speaking to Mexico’s Santiago Gimenez. This action led to an automatic red card under a new rule implemented for the tournament.
The referee confirmed the decision after a VAR review, much to the approval of the crowd at the Azteca Stadium. Hincapie is the second player in the tournament to be sent off for this specific offense, following Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron, who was dismissed earlier in the competition against Turkey.
The new rule, established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in April, states that any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card. This rule change was introduced after an incident in a UEFA Champions League match in February involving Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. During that match, Vinicius Jr alleged racial abuse after Prestianni spoke to him with his mouth covered by his shirt. Prestianni denied the accusation but later received a six-game ban for homophobic conduct.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino commented on the rule in March, stating 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 a covered mouth are permissible, it becomes a different story in confrontational situations, implying an intentional act.
Match context and consequences
The dismissal of Hincapie occurred with Ecuador already trailing 2-0. Mexico had established a lead in the first half, with Julian Quinones scoring in the 22nd minute. Quinones then assisted Raul Jimenez, who doubled Mexico’s lead in the 31st minute, amidst a lively atmosphere in Mexico City. The match was delayed by an hour due to adverse weather conditions, eventually starting at 03:00 UK time.
The confrontation between Hincapie and Gimenez happened after Ecuador’s Kendry Paez received a booking for a foul on Orbelin Pineda. Gimenez subsequently alerted the referee to Hincapie’s action of covering his mouth. Former Premier League midfielder Jobi McAnuff commented on the rule, stating that players are aware of the instruction and that covering one’s mouth in such a situation suggests something is being said that should not be heard.
Hincapie, who recently made his loan move to Arsenal permanent, showed a wry smile and applauded as he left the pitch. His red card results in an automatic one-match ban. The FIFA disciplinary committee has the authority to extend this suspension if deemed necessary, though Almiron’s ban was kept at one game.
Mexico’s progression in the tournament
Mexico’s 2-0 victory marks their first knockout match win in 40 years. This win secures their place in the last-16 of the tournament. They are set to face either England or DR Congo in their next fixture, which will also take place at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The next game for Mexico is scheduled for Monday, July 6, at 01:00 UK time.
The outcome of the match between England and DR Congo will determine Mexico’s opponent. That match is scheduled for Wednesday at 17:00 UK time.
The new rule regarding covering one’s mouth in confrontational situations has had a direct impact on the tournament, leading to two red cards so far. Hincapie’s dismissal highlights the strict enforcement of this regulation in the World Cup.
Mexico’s progression to the last-16 means they will play their next match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
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Source: independent.co.uk
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”