Red Cards Approved for Mouth-Covering Ahead of World Cup
Is this the right way to stamp out racist abuse or is it overkill that goes too far?
Above: Gianluca Prestianni hides his mouth while arguing with Vinícius at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on Feb. 17. Image credit: Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The rule change of giving players red cards for covering their mouths is a step in the right direction. For too long, players have been able to get away with directing vile abuse by using the tactic. This finally provides accountability for such actions.
Narrative B
The intent of this rule change is good, but it's an overreaction. Not everything said behind a covered mouth is abusive. Sometimes players just want to be able to have a conversation in private without it being picked up by the cameras.
Metaculus Prediction
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 7.4.3
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 7.4.3