England midfielder Jude Bellingham has been caught in a fresh World Cup controversy after escaping punishment for covering his mouth during a heated exchange with Ghana forward Jordan Ayew.
The incident happened during England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana in their Group L clash in Boston on Tuesday night.
Bellingham was seen covering his mouth while speaking to Ayew shortly after a tense moment involving Ghana defender Jerome Opoku.
The decision not to punish the Real Madrid star has sparked anger because Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was sent off days earlier for a similar incident under FIFA’s new mouth-covering rule.
Ghana Left Angry After Bellingham Escape
The controversy has raised questions over whether the new rule is being applied consistently at the World Cup.
Under the rule, a player may be punished if he covers his mouth while speaking during what the referee considers a confrontational situation.
The rule was introduced after concerns that players could hide abusive comments from cameras and lip-readers during heated exchanges on the pitch.
But critics are now asking why Almiron was sent off against Turkey, while Bellingham was allowed to continue against Ghana.
Same Rule, Different Treatment?
Almiron was dismissed during Paraguay’s 1-0 win over Turkey after he covered his mouth while speaking to Mert Muldur.
The referee did not initially spot the incident, but VAR intervened after Muldur complained.
Almiron was shown a red card and later handed a one-match suspension.
That decision has now been compared with Bellingham’s case, especially as his exchange with Ayew came during a tense phase of the England-Ghana match.
Ghana Coach Blasts Bellingham’s Reaction
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz also criticised Bellingham after the match, accusing the England midfielder of reacting badly during a half-time confrontation.
Queiroz said he had tried to calm the situation after Bellingham’s challenge on Opoku, but claimed the England star’s words increased the tension.
“He had a bad reaction with some bad names,” Queiroz said.
The Ghana coach added that emotions can run high in football, but said the incident added unnecessary fire to an already tense match.
Foreign Media Question Refereeing
The decision has also drawn criticism from foreign media, with some outlets accusing officials of double standards.
French publication RMC Sport questioned why Bellingham escaped punishment when Almiron had been sent off for a similar offence.
The outlet also pointed to other decisions Ghana felt aggrieved by during the match, including a penalty appeal and a challenge involving England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
FIFA Rule Under Scrutiny
The controversy has now put FIFA’s new mouth-covering rule under serious scrutiny.
While players are not automatically sent off for covering their mouths, referees have the power to act when it happens during a confrontation.
That grey area has become the centre of the debate.
For Ghana supporters and many observers, the question is simple: if Almiron was sent off, why was Bellingham allowed to stay on the pitch?
England Held By Ghana
The controversy overshadowed a strong defensive performance by Ghana, who frustrated England throughout the match.
The Black Stars held their shape, denied England clear chances and earned a valuable point against one of the tournament favourites.
England dominated possession but failed to break down Ghana’s defence, with Harry Kane starved of service and Bellingham unable to control the game.
But after the final whistle, the major talking point was the refereeing decision that allowed Bellingham to remain on the pitch.
