Too harsh or not, yet Almiron becomes the first victim of 'Prestianni's law'

Miguel Almiron has become the first footballer in World Cup history to be sent off for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent, in a controversial incident that is already sparking fierce debate across the game.

The Paraguay captain and the former Newcastle United forward saw red during his country's Group H clash with Turkey in San Francisco after briefly shielding his mouth with his hand while exchanging words with defender Mert Muldur.

What might once have passed unnoticed instead became a landmark moment in football's newest attempt to tackle offensive language and hidden verbal abuse on the pitch.

The incident occurred shortly before half-time with Paraguay leading 1-0. Muldur immediately alerted nearby officials, prompting a VAR review. After examining the footage, referee Ivan Barton took the unprecedented step of dismissing Almiron and informed the crowd of his decision via the stadium's public-address system.

Despite playing the entire second half with ten men, Paraguay held on for a valuable 1-0 victory that leaves them on the verge of reaching the knockout stages. A win against Australia in their final group match would secure qualification.

Ten-man Paraguay dump out profligate Turkey in San Francisco thriller

Yet the result was quickly overshadowed by a decision unlike any previously seen at a World Cup.

The dismissal stemmed from a new law introduced earlier this year by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which aims to discourage players from concealing conversations during matches.

The issue became a major talking point after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni raised his shirt while speaking to Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during a Champions League game a few months ago. Prestianni was accused of racist abuse - which he denied - and provisionally banned for one match. Following a UEFA investigation, Prestianni was instead found guilty of homophobic conduct and banned for six matches - three of which were suspended.

Prestianni banned in UEFA crackdown after discriminatory conduct case

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously voiced support for the measure, arguing that football should take a tougher stance on behaviour that cannot be properly scrutinised because players attempt to hide what is being said.

Ironically, this is not the first time Almiron has found himself at the centre of a World Cup officiating controversy. During Paraguay's opening match against the United States, a yellow card initially shown to American defender Tim Ream for fouling Almiron was overturned following a VAR review, with officials concluding that the Paraguayan had simulated contact. The booking was subsequently transferred to Almiron for diving.