Only where a competition adopts it as an option. Under the IFAB Laws of the Game, covering the mouth when communicating with an opponent in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory manner or situation is an optional sending-off offence, and the Premier League does not intend to adopt the competition optional Laws.
Which offences are competition options
Here are the relevant competition options, alongside one standard sending-off offence and one standard caution that apply in every competition.
| Offence | Under the Laws of the Game |
|---|---|
| Covering the mouth when communicating with an opponent in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory manner or situation | Sending-off where a competition adopts this option |
| Leaving the field of play in protest at a decision of the referee | Sending-off where a competition adopts this option |
| Instructing or encouraging other players to leave the field of play in protest | Sending-off where a competition adopts this option |
| A team official instructing or encouraging players to leave in protest, even if they do not leave | Sending-off where a competition adopts this option |
| Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or action(s) | Sending-off in every competition |
| Dissent by word or action | Caution |
The split matters. The first three offences apply to a player, substitute or substituted player, and the fourth to a team official. All four apply as sending-off offences only in competitions that choose to adopt them. The last two do not depend on any competition choice and apply across the board.
Where the Premier League stands
The Premier League does not intend to adopt the competition optional Laws. That includes these optional sending-off offences and also the wider VAR review scope for incorrectly awarded corners.
What applies in every competition
Some related offences do not depend on any competition option at all.
- Sending-off: a player, substitute or substituted player uses offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or action(s).
- Caution: a player shows dissent by word or action.
- Caution: a player enters, re-enters or deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee's permission.
These points sit in a different category from covering the mouth while communicating with an opponent in the specified manner or situation, and from leaving in protest. They apply in every competition without any extra adoption step.
Why the mouth-covering option exists
The IFAB says the mouth-covering option reflects FIFA's and the wider football world's intention to combat racism and discrimination by introducing meaningful action and a strong deterrent against players who cover their mouth, including with their hand, arm or shirt, to prevent the detection of inappropriate comments, insults or other forms of abuse directed at an opponent.
FAQ
Is covering the mouth a red card in the Premier League?
Covering the mouth when communicating with an opponent in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory manner or situation is a sending-off offence only where a competition adopts it as an option. The Premier League does not intend to adopt the competition optional Laws.
Can a player be sent off for walking off the pitch in protest?
Yes, where a competition adopts that option. The offence covers leaving the field of play in protest at a referee's decision, including a decision for play to continue or restart.
Can a manager be sent off for telling players to walk off?
Yes, where a competition adopts that option. For a team official, instructing or encouraging players to leave the field of play in protest at a referee's decision brings a sending-off even if the players do not leave.
What are competition options in the Laws of the Game?
They are parts of the Laws that a competition can choose to adopt. If a competition does not adopt them, those optional offences do not operate in that competition as the relevant sending-off offences.
