Why England’s Jude Bellingham Wasn’t Sent Off for Covering His Mouth vs. Ghana

England midfielder Jude Bellingham was caught covering his mouth when speaking to Ghana striker Jordan Ayew during Tuesday’s goalless draw, prompting many to question why he was not shown a red card in accordance with FIFA’s new World Cup rules.

The governing body states that a player who covers their mouth while confronting an opponent will be sent off, a rule that had Paraguay forward Miguel Almirón marching down the tunnel in the first half of his side’s 1–0 win over Türkiye on Friday. The 32-year-old covered his mouth during an altercation with Mert Müldür and paid the price.

Yet when Bellingham acted in a similar manner against Ghana, there was no punishment for the Real Madrid star. A red card would have made the 22-year-old ineligible to represent the Three Lions against Panama in their group stage finale, but now he is free to participate in the all-important clash at MetLife Stadium, whereas Almirón must serve a one-game suspension.

There is a key difference in the two incidents, though, that explains the punishment for Almirón and lack thereof for Bellingham.

Why Bellingham Got Away With Covering His Mouth vs. Ghana

Although Bellingham was at the center of a heated clash with the Ghana coaching staff at Gillette Stadium, his interaction with Ayew was not a hostile one. The two players appeared to be just chatting, unlike Almirón, who confronted Müldür after a melee broke out between Paraguay and Türkiye players.

ESPN revealed Bellingham’s conversation with Ayew was deemed not “confrontational” and therefore did not warrant a red card for the England international. Referee Hector Said Martinez Sorto correctly allowed the No. 10 to stay in the game without a sanction.

The decision reflected the distinction highlighted by FIFA’s head of referees Pierluigi Collina before the tournament.

“Players can continue to cover their mouth with an arm and the shirt because they may chat with friends,” he said. “It’s normal to a chat before, during or after the match. So if the conversation is a friendly conversation, they can continue to do it without any problem.

“When the conversation is confrontational, covering the mouth means that you are doing something very wrong, potentially, and the sanction is the red card.”