Jude Bellingham avoided a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to Ghana’s Jordan Ayew, after FIFA ruled the exchange was friendly rather than confrontational under its new World Cup conduct law.
Jude Bellingham had football talking — but not about football. Images of him covering his mouth while chatting with Ghana’s Jordan Ayew during England’s 0-0 draw sparked instant debate, BBC Sport reports.
FIFA’s new World Cup rule allows red cards for mouth-covering, but only during confrontational exchanges with opponents. Officials judged Bellingham and Ayew’s chat as friendly, not a flashpoint — so VAR stayed out of it.
The rule, introduced over fears of hidden abusive language, already claimed its first victim: Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron, sent off against Turkey during a heated melee.
FIFA insists it’s about respect. Critics aren’t so sure — questions over consistency, and possible misuse, linger.
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