BBC presenter Mark Chapman clarified that Harry Kane managed to avoid a straight red card for covering his mouth in a confrontational situation because he was speaking to the game’s referee.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes immediately brought the situation to the attention of the referee after an incident where Elliot Anderson received a yellow card for a robust challenge on Lionel Messi, who had just skipped by England captain Kane.

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Of course, we saw earlier on in the tournament Paraguayan midfielder and former Newcastle United player Miguel Almiron was sent off for covering his mouth in a situation like this one, but the crucial difference is he was speaking to a Turkish player.

The rule was introduced to prevent players from obscuring potentially discriminatory language to opposition players.

Argentina Wanted Harry Kane Sent Off For Breaking New World Cup Rule

It had been an incredibly tense first-half in which neither side registered a shot on target, the first time at a World Cup this has happened since the 1966 World Cup.

Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart was incredibly frustrated with the actions of Paredes.

Pathetic, he was talking to the referee, he was trying to be clear because it is so difficult to communicate out there.

Harry Kane is just trying to have a personal conversation with the referee there.

I get it of course they’re going to do anything they can to win this game, you’re going to go after the letter of the law and you see that but come on just win the game by scoring more goals.

Wayne Rooney was also not in favour of Parades’ antics.

Yeah, I think it is just ridiculous.

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