Almiron Sees Red for Covering His Mouth in Turkey Defeat

Paraguay's Miguel Almiron was at the centre of one of the more bewildering disciplinary moments of the World Cup so far, when referee Ivan Barton dismissed him for covering his mouth with his hand during Turkey's 1-0 victory over Paraguay, according to Reuters.

The gesture, which players often use to shield team talk from lip-readers or cameras, was apparently deemed by the referee to constitute unsporting behaviour worthy of a red card. Almiron was seen arguing with Barton following the decision.

The incident added controversy to a defeat that leaves Paraguay's hopes of progression in serious doubt. Turkey, meanwhile, took all three points in the Group D clash at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara.