Jude Bellingham avoided a red card during England's 0-0 World Cup draw against Ghana after a heated exchange with Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz, who accused the midfielder of using foul language. Bellingham was later seen covering his mouth while speaking with Jordan Ayew, a gesture that earlier led to Paraguay's Miguel Almiron being sent off for breaking FIFA's controversial new rule.
FIFA's new rule and its application
FIFA president Gianni Infantino introduced the rule after Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni received a six-match ban from UEFA for homophobic conduct towards Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during a Champions League match in February. The rule aims to prevent players from hiding abusive language by covering their mouths.
Almiron became the first player dismissed under the new legislation during Paraguay's win against Turkey, after he covered his mouth during a confrontation. However, covering one's mouth alone does not warrant a red card; context is crucial. A player is only sent off if they obscure their mouth while involved in a confrontation with another player.
Why Bellingham escaped punishment
Bellingham's conversation with Ayew was amicable, not confrontational, so he avoided the match officials' wrath. The 0-0 draw marked England's fourth successive draw in second games at a major tournament since Euro 2020, which Bellingham dubbed 'second game fever'.
Despite the tamer reaction to the result compared to past tournaments, Bellingham acknowledged the criticism. 'I think you've got to roll with it,' he said. 'When we play well, we get the credit. We weren't at our best, so it's normal there's noise. We'll take what we have to take, but the important thing is we're sure in our beliefs inside the camp.'
