Former Arsenal Player Silvestre: "Players Covering Mouths During Altercations Should Be Penalized"

T.E (Elbotola)

18 February 2026at19:11

Reactions are escalating regarding the altercation between Benfica's Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid's Brazilian star Vinicius Junior during yesterday's Champions League match between the two teams. The incident has become a central topic of discussion within international football circles.

Mikaël Silvestre, a former Arsenal and Manchester United player and a member of the FIFA Players’ Voice Panel, has proposed imposing sanctions on players who cover their mouths during on-field discussions and confrontations.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Silvestre stated: "We are trying to find ways to punish players who cover their mouths. It's normal for a player to discuss tactics with teammates or have a casual conversation, but this particular incident clearly involved animosity between players, especially from one towards the other. It's likely that we need to impose sanctions for such behaviour when a player puts their hand over their mouth or uses their shirt to cover it."

The former French international emphasized that such issues require time to be addressed properly. He added: "These matters need time, because we are required to coordinate with referees and determine what they can and cannot do. The work is progressing step by step... However, it is essential that the entire stadium is aware of what happened, and that the referee can clarify the matter clearly to everyone."

He continued: "It is difficult for the referee to have immediate evidence confirming what happened, which would allow for a quick investigation, especially since the return leg is only seven days away. But if the incident is proven true, the player should not participate in the match… instead, they should face a severe penalty."

This idea comes within a broader context where FIFA and UEFA are striving to combat racism in stadiums, especially after both FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior made strong statements regarding the incident.

Q&A

Why does Mikaël Silvestre suggest penalizing players for covering their mouths during altercations?

Silvestre believes it's crucial for transparency and to address animosity, especially following incidents like the one involving Prestianni and Vinicius Junior, ensuring the entire stadium and referees are aware of what transpired.

What broader context is Mikaël Silvestre's proposal regarding player conduct addressing?

Silvestre's suggestion aligns with ongoing FIFA and UEFA efforts to combat racism in stadiums and promote transparency in player interactions, a focus highlighted by recent statements from Gianni Infantino and Vinicius Junior.

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