World Cup 2026

[Im_Spartacus]

I saw that the Paraguay player got sent off for covering his mouth when talking to someone. Gayest rule ever

I get the intention behind it - players are fast enough to eff and jeff towards the referee, so it massively begs the question what it is they are saying they don't want lip readers to pick up.

But if we're going to start booking or sending players off because of what they might be doing, that's a slippery slope when we can't even get it right on what they are observably doing.

[PeterParker]

I saw that the Paraguay player got sent off for covering his mouth when talking to someone. Gayest rule ever

I get the intention behind it - players are fast enough to eff and jeff towards the referee, so it massively begs the question what it is they are saying they don't want lip readers to pick up.

But if we're going to start booking or sending players off because of what they might be doing, that's a slippery slope when we can't even get it right on what they are observably doing.

I think, even with the consequences, players should be allowed to swear and do their thing. If it stays on the pitch, then they should be allowed to do this.

I have this image stuck in my mind, it is the World Cup final in 1990, Argentina just came in after beating Italy, the host, and while the anthems, the Italians in the crowd were booing the Argentine one. Maradona was fumming, all cameras were on him and he was letting all out.

That is, for me, one of the images of Italy 90. Today that wouldn't be allowed.

And I understand where is it coming from and I mostly agree with the reasoning, I just think these rules will make it even harder to solve the real problems like racism and similar.

[Im_Spartacus]

I saw that the Paraguay player got sent off for covering his mouth when talking to someone. Gayest rule ever

I get the intention behind it - players are fast enough to eff and jeff towards the referee, so it massively begs the question what it is they are saying they don't want lip readers to pick up.

But if we're going to start booking or sending players off because of what they might be doing, that's a slippery slope when we can't even get it right on what they are observably doing.

I think, even with the consequences, players should be allowed to swear and do their thing. If it stays on the pitch, then they should be allowed to do this.

I have this image stuck in my mind, it is the World Cup final in 1990, Argentina just came in after beating Italy, the host, and while the anthems, the Italians in the crowd were booing the Argentine one. Maradona was fumming, all cameras were on him and he was letting all out.

That is, for me, one of the images of Italy 90. Today that wouldn't be allowed.

And I understand where is it coming from and I mostly agree with the reasoning, I just think these rules will make it even harder to solve the real problems like racism and similar.

I agree, it won't solve anything - but regardless what the player in the case which caused this rule did/didn't say, the allegation (and what he was subsequently found guilty of) didn't reflect well on anyone in the end and was damaging for everyone including football generally given how high profile it was.

I don't think anyone has an issue with them swearing generally in the heat of the moment even Fifa/Uefa, though in the Maradona situation you mention these days he'd have got a big fine after the game because there was no doubt he did it - and Maradona would have happily paid the fine as a 'cost of doing business'. Actively seeking to hide your words is not being caught in a moment, it's knowing you don't want to be caught - and likely in the vinny jr case it backfired spectacularly.

I think the 'did he/didn't he' for weeks was the biggest problem with the vinny jr incident, it's one thing that I think Fifa to be fair I'm impressed were so decisive about it - as even the suspicion and speculation was far more damaging to the wider game than what was actually said.