Jude Bellingham avoided a red card for covering his mouth during England's goalless draw with Ghana because the conversation was not confrontational, unlike the incident that saw Paraguay's Miguel Almiron sent off.
New FIFA rule on mouth-covering
FIFA introduced a rule ahead of the 2026 World Cup allowing referees to send off players who cover their mouths while speaking to an opponent. The rule was implemented after Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni received a six-match UEFA ban for homophobic conduct towards Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr in a Champions League match in February.
Paraguay's Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off under this rule after a VAR intervention during his side's 1-0 win over Turkey in Group D. Almiron covered his mouth while speaking to Turkey's Mert Muldur following a heated melee between the two teams.
Bellingham's incident vs Ghana
In Tuesday's Group L match in Boston, Bellingham was pictured in conversation with Ghana's Jordan Ayew while covering his mouth. However, VAR Armando Villarreal did not recommend a red card, and referee Said Martinez took no action.
According to FIFA's head of referees, Pierluigi Collina, context is crucial. "Players can continue to cover their mouth with an arm and the shirt because they may chat with friends," Collina said before the tournament. "It's normal to have 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."
Bellingham and Ayew were merely in conversation, while Almiron's exchange occurred in a confrontational setting. Therefore, Bellingham will not face retrospective punishment and is available for England's final group match against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday.
Declan Rice injury concern
Meanwhile, Declan Rice is at risk of suspension after picking up a yellow card against Ghana. If Rice receives another booking against Panama, he will serve a one-match ban and miss England's last-32 tie. He is also a fitness doubt after being spotted limping with heavy strapping around his left calf following the Ghana game.
