The Unexpected Red Card: Arsenal Star Piero Hincapie Fails to Heed New FIFA Rules in the 2022 World Cup

Piero Hincapie of Ecuador (R) covers his mouth while speaking to Santiago Gimenez of Mexico(Image: Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie has become the second player at the World Cup to receive a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.

The Ecuador centre-back was dismissed after confronting Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez during their round of 32 fixture in the tournament. Mexico went on to secure a 2-0 victory over Ecuador in Mexico City, setting up a last-16 clash against either England or DR Congo, scheduled for early Monday morning at 1am (UK time) at the same venue.

Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez netted the goals for Mexico to book their place in the next round, though it was during stoppage time that the real drama unfolded at the Estadio Azteca.

Hincapie was spotted approaching Gimenez and appeared to cover his mouth with his hand while addressing the Mexico striker.

Gimenez promptly alerted referee Slavko Vincic, who subsequently reviewed the incident via the VAR pitchside monitor.

Following a brief review, Vincic handed out a red card for Hincapie, with the Arsenal defender becoming only the second player at this year's tournament to be dismissed under the new ruling.

Former Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off under the new rules at this year's World Cup, receiving his marching orders during Paraguay's victory over Turkiye in the group stages.

Hincapie's red card has sparked considerable discussion on social media, with numerous supporters voicing their confusion over the Arsenal defender's behaviour.

One fan on X said: "Keep your hands away from your mouth!" Another added: "So stupid from Hincapie." And a third put: "When Almiron did it...you MIGHT get some grace, because the rule is new. Hincapie has 0 excuse."

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Former Premier League player Jobi McAnuff offered his assessment of Hincapie's dismissal and explained why he supports the new regulation that has been implemented by FIFA for this World Cup.

“I’m all for this rule,” McAnuff said on ITV. “At the end of the day, if you’re covering your mouth, you’re clearly saying something that you shouldn’t be saying.

“We’ve had instances where there’s alleged racism involved, and we just don’t know.

“So it’s a very clear instruction, the players obviously all know about it. You can’t do it.

“Clearly he’s [Hincapie] obviously saying something that he feels he doesn’t want to be seen to be saying, which is why he’s covered his mouth.”

Hincapie had earlier been instrumental in Ecuador's progression to the knockout rounds of the World Cup, notably during their 2-1 triumph over Germany in their concluding group stage match, which confirmed their place in the round of 32.

The Arsenal defender and his Ecuador teammates will now head home following their elimination from the World Cup, with Hincapie now anticipated to take a break before rejoining pre-season training with the Gunners.

Hincapie only recently finalised a permanent transfer to Arsenal, having spent last season on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.

The agreement included an option to make the switch permanent for a fee understood to be in the region of £34.5million, which has now officially been activated.

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