During Ecuador’s World Cup defeat to Mexico, Piero Hincapie was shown a red card and was eliminated from the competition in dramatic fashion, missing out on a potential showdown with England.
Piero Hincapie shown a red card during Ecuador’s loss to Mexico (Image: ITV)
Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie has become the second player to be sent off at the World Cup for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.
The Ecuadorian centre-back was shown a red card in the round of 32 of the tournament when he faced Mexican international striker Santiago Jimenez. Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 in Mexico City and will advance to the last 16, where they will face either England or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The match will be played at the same stadium from 1am (British time) on Monday.
Mexico progressed to the next round with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raul Jiménez, but it was in stoppage time that drama broke out at the Estadio Azteca.
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Hincapie approached Jimenez and appeared to cover his mouth with his hand while speaking with the Mexico international striker.
Jimenez then immediately alerted referee Slavko Vincic, who confirmed the incident via the VAR pitchside monitor.
After a quick check, Vincic issued Hincapie a red card, making the Arsenal defender the second player in this competition to be sent off under the new rules.
Former Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off under the new rules at this year’s World Cup when he was shown a red card during Paraguay’s win over Torquier in the group stage.
Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie (R) covers his mouth while speaking to Mexico’s Santiago Jiménez (Image: Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Hincapie’s red card caused a lot of reaction on social media, with many fans expressing their confusion at the Arsenal defender’s actions.
One of X’s fans said: “Keep your hands out of your mouth!” Another added: “What an idiot from Hincapie.” And a third said: “When Almiron did it…the rules are new, so you might be given some leeway. Hincapie has no excuses.”
Former Premier League star Jobi McAnuh shares his verdict on Hincapie’s red card and why he supports the new laws introduced by FIFA for this World Cup.
Mr McAnuf told ITV: “I’m all for this rule.” “At the end of the day, if you cover your mouth, you’re saying something that you obviously shouldn’t say.
“There have been cases where racism has been implicated, but we don’t know.
“So this is a very clear directive and the players obviously know about it. It’s impossible.”
“Obviously he (Hincapie) is saying things that he doesn’t want people to see saying. That’s why he’s covering his mouth.”
Hincapie has played a key role in Ecuador’s advance to the World Cup finals, particularly in their 2-1 win over Germany in the final group stage game, which sealed their place in the Round of 32.
The Arsenal defender and his team-mates are expected to return home following their World Cup exit, with Hincapie expected to take a break before returning to pre-season duties with the Gunners.
Hincapie spent last season on loan from Bayer Leverkusen and only recently completed his move to Arsenal. The move includes an option to make the contract permanent for a fee believed to be worth around £34.5 million, which has been duly triggered.
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