World Cup Controversy: Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie Red-Carded for Covering His Mouth
Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie became the second player sent off at the 2026 World Cup for covering his mouth during a heated exchange. Trailing 2-0 against Mexico in stoppage time, Hincapie hid his mouth while confronting Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican forward alerted referee Slavko Vincic, who consulted VAR before showing a straight red. This is the first World Cup to enforce FIFA’s new rule against players concealing their mouths in disputes. Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was the inaugural dismissal under this regulation earlier in the tournament. Mexico’s win sends them into the last 16, where they will meet either England or DR Congo.
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