SPORTSWORLD.AM
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed introducing a red card for players who cover their mouths with their hands or clothing during on-field clashes.
"Players who use such gestures are clearly trying to hide what they are saying. They are clearly aware that they are saying something inappropriate. When someone covers their mouth, it means that they have something to hide. We must respond decisively, taking effective measures against manifestations of racism. However, it is important to take into account the circumstances of the incident. A person in a state of emotional anger can make a mistake that he will later sincerely regret. Therefore, we should consider mitigating the punishment for those who apologize publicly," Sky News quoted Infantino as saying.
The FIFA president has proposed reducing the minimum suspension period for discriminatory remarks to five games if the player publicly admits his guilt.
The discussion about the idea of tightening the penalty arose after the Champions League round of 16 play-off match between Portuguese side Benfica and Spanish side Real Madrid. During the match, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior complained to the referee that Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni had called him a monkey while covering his face with his shirt. Prestianni denied making racist insults, but admitted that he had used inappropriate language. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) later provisionally suspended the Benfica player from the next match.