FIFA rules state that a player should be shown a red card for covering his mouth when confronting an opponent. However, Jude Bellingham was not shown a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to Jordan Ayew during England’s goalless draw with Ghana, Yankee Scores reports.
Sources revealed that Jude Bellingham was not dismissed because he was not confrontational with Jordan Ayew, hence he broke no law.
Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham was involved in a row with the Ghana coaching staff at the end of the game but referee Hector Said Martinez Sorto did not sanction him for the incident with Ayew, despite FIFA rules stating that a player should be shown a red card for covering his mouth when confronting an opponent.
The Almirón Precedent
Paraguay forward Miguel Almirón got the first red card for the offense in Friday’s Group D game against Turkiye after a clash with Mert Müldür.
But Bellingham was not sent off, despite the Almiron precedent. The key difference, sources told ESPN, was that the England international was not considered to have been “confrontational” in his exchange with Leicester City forward Ayew.
Panama Selection Blueprint
Bellingham is now available to play against Panama in England’s final Group L game in New Jersey on Saturday.
England go into the game against Panama as group leaders and a win over the Central Americans will seal top spot and a Round of 32 tie against a third-place qualifier in Atlanta next Wednesday.
