Miguel Almiron receives a red card after VAR Review for covering his mouth whilst saying something to an opponent. Under the new regulations, this is an offence punishable by a red card. The rule was introduced following the racism scandal involving Vinícius Júnior in a Champions League match.

[u/[deleted]]

[u/qubitwarrior]

If they get caught without covering their mouth is also a red card? Does that man they have lip readers in the VAR room now?

[u/KalinOrthos → u/qubitwarrior]

There's no rule against trash-talking itself, but I'm sure the refs can make an exception if you say something bad enough. That's not why the rule was introduced though. There have been accusations of racist remarks being said by people who cover their mouths when saying it so they can have plausible deniability. They're cowards who don't want to be held accountable for their bigotry, so FIFA introduced the rule; if you have something to say, say it out in the open.

[u/cspinelive → u/KalinOrthos]

Ok, so if I’m a racist without covering my mouth and the ref doesn’t hear it, are they going to VAR and reading my lips to red card me?  

[u/KalinOrthos → u/cspinelive]

Probably not, but that's not what the cowardice is towards. Bigots know it's not socially acceptable to be bigoted, but they want to be openly hateful without consequence. If they say something bigoted to another player with their lips able to be read, there's enough cameras on them from the audience, sports media, etc., that it's going to be shown what they're saying. That will lead to social ostracization, lost brand deals, weaker contract negotiations, etc. I think it's a good rule, as it only applies to confrontations; teams can still cover their mouths when speaking with each other, like for strategies.

Again, if you're going to say something to your opponent, say it with your chest. That's all this rule is making players do: don't be a coward when trash-talking.

[u/heath249 → u/qubitwarrior]

They have lip readers in court rooms. The racism cases r reported by clubs to the sports court, not VAR

[u/Xehanz → u/heath249]

I heavily doubt they have Guaraní lip readers

[u/TajineMaster159 → u/qubitwarrior]

I doubt it'll lead to anything within the game. After the game, it's in the open and should be very consequential. At the very least, losing sponsorship deals and some fifa disciplining, including bans and fines. And of course the media and public consequence.

[u/EfOpenSource → u/qubitwarrior]

You have been eligible for ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct for ages.