Why Issa Diop was NOT sent off for covering mouth when talking to Ousmane Dembele in Morcco’s defeat to France

WORLD Cup fans were left confused when Issa Diop seemingly escaped a red card against France.

The Morocco star was seen covering his mouth while talking to France forward Ousmane Dembele in the World Cup quarter-final.

New rules implemented at this World Cup have seen multiple red cards shown for such incidents.

Players are not allowed to cover their mouths while they speak to an opponent.

And after Diop’s incident with Dembele in Boston, fans were wondering how the Morocco man stayed on the pitch.

One said: “Can someone please explain the rules to the talking with hand over the mouth as I’ve just seen Diop doing it to Dembele and I thought that was a red card in the World Cup?”

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While a second posted: “How’s Issa Diop not been sent off? He’s covering his mouth and speaking to Dembele.”

And a third wondered: “Why didn’t Diop get a red card for covering his mouth while talking to Dembele?”

But the rules say that the talking behind a hand has to be in a confrontation.

And there then has to be a complaint from the opponent for any action to be taken.

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Former Newcastle star Miguel Almiron became the first player to fall foul of the rule when he was sent off for Paraguay in their group game against Turkey.

Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie has also seen red for the same offence.

He was sent off in Ecuador’s loss to Mexico in the round of 32 for covering his mouth while talking to an opponent.

Both occasions saw the rival player complain to an official, which led to a red card.

France beat Morocco 2-0 in Boston to set up a semi-final against either Spain or Belgium.

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The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up as we head towards the business end of the tournament.

England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on fire.

But the likes of France, Spain and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way.

Heavyweights Germany, Netherlands, Brazil and Portugal have all been knocked out.

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