Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie has become the second player at the World Cup to be sent off for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.
Hincapie who represents Ecuador at the tournament was shown a red card after confronting Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez during their round of 32 fixture.
Mexico went on to claim a 2-0 victory over Ecuador in Mexico City to set up a last-16 tie against either England or DR Congo.
Former Fulham forward Raul Jimenez and Julian Quinones scored the goals for Mexico to send them through to the next round.
However, Hincapie’s moment didn’t come until the stoppage time.
Hincapie could be seen approaching Gimenez and appeared to cover his mouth with his hand while he spoke to the Mexico striker.
Gimenez then immediately alerted referee Slavko Vincic, who went on to check the incident through the VAR’s pitchside monitor.
Piero Hincapie covers his mouth while arguing with Santiago Gimenez. (Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
A brief check resulted in Vincic issuing Hincapie with a red card, with the Arsenal defender becoming only the second player at this year’s tournament to be sent off under the new rule.
Former Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off under the new rules at this year’s World Cup.
The Paraguay forward was shown a red card during his nation win over Turkiye in the group stages.
Hincapie reacts as he leaves the pitch after being shown a red card against Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Hincapie alongside his Ecuadorian teammates will now return home following their exit from the World Cup.
The defender only recently completed a permanent move to Arsenal, having spent last season on loan from Bayer Leverkusen. He was signed for a fee believed to be worth around £34.5million.
