Why Wasn't Jude Bellingham Sent Off? Ghana Fans Question Referee Decision After England Draw
Several Ghanaian fans have questions: Why did Jude Bellingham not receive a red card for covering his mouth while having an interaction with the Ghana captain Jordan Ayew, according to FIFA's new rule?
The England midfielder was involved in a tense exchange with members of the Ghana dugout as players headed toward the tunnel at the break.
During the incident, Bellingham appeared to cover his mouth while speaking, a gesture that has recently come under increased scrutiny following FIFA's updated disciplinary guidelines.
The controversy has attracted attention because referees are now permitted to sanction players for covering their mouths during confrontational situations. Earlier in the tournament, Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón became the first player to receive a red card under the rule and was subsequently handed a one-match suspension.
Despite the incident involving Bellingham, the match officials took no disciplinary action, leaving many Ghana fans questioning why the England star was not punished similarly.
The decision has since become a major talking point following the closely contested Group L encounter, which ended goalless, leaving both nations with work to do in their final group-stage matches as they aim for the top spot.
