Hincapie sent off for covering mouth in Ecuador’s World Cup defeat to Mexico
Piero Hincapie, a defender for Arsenal, received a red card during Ecuador’s World Cup last-32 match against Mexico. The incident occurred when Hincapie was observed covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent, a move that now results in an automatic red card under new tournament rules. This makes Hincapie the second player in the tournament to be dismissed for this specific offence.
The event unfolded in second-half stoppage time during Ecuador’s 2-0 defeat. Hincapie engaged in an exchange with Mexico’s Santiago Gimenez, during which he covered his mouth. Following a VAR review, the referee confirmed the decision, brandishing the red card at the Azteca Stadium.
New Rule Enforcement
The new rule, introduced ahead of the tournament, stipulates that any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card. This regulation was established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for setting the laws of the game, following changes made in April.
The rule’s inception came after an incident in a UEFA Champions League match in February, involving Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. During that game, Vinicius Jr alleged racial abuse from Prestianni, who had covered his mouth with his shirt while speaking. 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 racist consequences, they must be sent off. FIFA referee chief Pierluigi Collina further clarified in June that while friendly conversations with covered mouths are permissible, confrontational situations are different. He explained that covering one’s mouth in such a context suggests an intentional act that could be problematic.
Hincapie’s dismissal was not the first instance of this new rule being applied in the current World Cup. Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was the first player to be sent off for the same offence earlier in the tournament during a match against Turkiye, resulting in a one-game suspension. Hincapie will also face an automatic one-match ban, with FIFA’s disciplinary committee retaining the authority to extend the suspension if deemed necessary.
Match Details and Aftermath
The match itself saw Mexico secure a 2-0 victory over Ecuador. Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, and Raul Jimenez added a second goal in the 31st minute. The atmosphere in Mexico City was described as boisterous. The game, initially scheduled for 02:00 UK time, was delayed until 03:00 UK time due to adverse weather conditions in the area.
Despite the red card, Ecuador had already been outclassed by the co-hosts, particularly after a strong first-half performance from Mexico. The incident involving Hincapie occurred while players were waiting for play to restart, following Ecuador’s Kendry Paez receiving a booking for a foul on Orbelin Pineda.
During the confrontation, Hincapie and Gimenez squared up and touched heads before being separated by the referee. It was Gimenez who subsequently alerted the referee to Hincapie having spoken with his hand over his mouth, mirroring an action taken by Turkey’s Mert Mulder when Almiron committed the same offence.
Former Premier League midfielder Jobi McAnuff commented on the situation, stating that covering one’s mouth clearly indicates an intention to say something that should not be heard. He emphasised that players are aware of this clear instruction. Hincapie, who recently made his loan move to Arsenal permanent, was seen with a wry smile and applauded as he left the pitch.
This victory marks Mexico’s first knockout match win in 40 years. Mexico will now advance to the last-16, where they will face either England or DR Congo. Their next match is scheduled to take place at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, starting at 01:00 UK time on Monday, July 6.
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Source: independent.co.uk
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
