Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié became the second player sent off at the World Cup under FIFA’s new rule against covering the mouth during a confrontational exchange with an opponent.
The red card came in the 95th minute of Ecuador’s 2-0 loss to Mexico in the round of 32. Hincapié was dismissed after an exchange with Mexico forward Santi Giménez, leaving Ecuador to finish the match short-handed.
The incident in MEXICO CITY ended with Mexico already in control of the scoreline and Ecuador’s World Cup run closing with the defeat. Hincapié’s dismissal added a disciplinary consequence that will carry beyond the tournament.
FIFA introduced the rule to stop players from shielding possible abusive comments from view by covering their mouths while speaking to opponents. The standard gives officials grounds to issue a red card when that action happens during a confrontation.
Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón was the first player punished under the rule when he was sent off in a group-stage match against Turkey. Hincapié’s red card made him the second player removed for the same type of incident at the World Cup.
Ecuador’s tournament is over after the loss to Mexico, but the suspension does not disappear with the exit. Hincapié will be unavailable for Ecuador’s next international match.