Arsenal star Piero Hincapie sent off for covering mouth while confronting opponent at World Cup as he breaks new rule
ARSENAL defender Piero Hincapie was SENT OFF as Ecuador crashed out of the World Cup. The South Americans suffered a 2-0 defeat to tournament co-hosts Mexico in their last-32 clash. And the showdown ended on a sour note for Hincapie, 24, as he was given his marching orders for breaking a new Fifa rule in stoppage time. He covered his mouth during a heated altercation with Santiago Gimenez, leading to the Mexico striker rushing to alert referee Slavko Vincic. Following a VAR review, Hincapie became the second player at this summer’s tournament to be shown a straight red card for the offence. Former Newcastle man Miguel Almiron was dismissed after using his hand to cover his mouth during Paraguay’s group stage win over Turkey. READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS Fifa slapped the winger with a one-match ban, leading to him missing the stalemate with Australia. Almiron then returned for Paraguay’s shock penalty shootout victory over Germany earlier this week. But the suspension Hincapie is facing will not take effect during the remainder of the World Cup after Ecuador were sent packing. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, who rejoined Wolves last month, put Mexico in the driving seat with first half goals. Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS And Ecuador could not find a response as the World Cup co-hosts stormed to victory after the contest was initially delayed thanks to a thunderstorm. Hincapie officially joins Arsenal on a permanent basis today – after the North Londoners triggered a £34.5million option to buy at the end of his loan deal. The former Bayer Leverkusen man made 39 appearances for the Gunners last season. And he played a key role in Arsenal ending their wait for Premier League glory. World Cup 2026 - all the info IT'S A KNOCKOUT The knockout stages of the World Cup are here, with many big sides still in the hunt for global glory. England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought for the nation. Powerhouse nations like France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders for the biggest prize in sport. However, heavyweights Germany and Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the last-32! Football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are showing no signs of slowing down, on what looks to be the pair’s final World Cup. LATEST NEWS - Paraguay World Cup star in tears after huge Germany upset - Chelsea legend consoled by Ronaldo after sudden World Cup camp departure - Casemiro’s daughter in tears after Man Utd star scores header vs Japan - South Korea boss RESIGNS after group stage exit - Ronaldo DITCHES £242 limited edition boots after just 45 minutes KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. But Hincapie could not stop the North Londoners falling to an agonising Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. Mexico will now face England or DR Congo for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals following their win over Ecuador.