Piero Hincapie received a red card for covering his mouth while talking to a player from Mexico during Ecuador’s defeat in the last-32 on Tuesday night.
The Arsenal defender, who plays a crucial role for his national team, lost his composure during stoppage time in the second half while conversing with Mexico’s Santiago Giménez.
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Under a new World Cup rule, covering one’s mouth in a conversation automatically results in a red card. Following a VAR review, the referee confirmed the decision to the crowd at the Azteca Stadium.
The first player to be penalized under this new rule was Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron, who was sent off in a match against Turkey, leading to a one-game suspension.
Despite Hincapie’s sending-off, Ecuador struggled against the dominant co-hosts throughout the match.
Julian Quinones scored a remarkable goal in the 22nd minute and assisted Raul Jimenez to double the lead in the 31st minute, contributing to the lively atmosphere in Mexico City.
This victory marks Mexico’s first knockout match win in 40 years, and they will face either England or the DR Congo in the last-16, returning to the Azteca on Sunday night.