Mikaël Silvestre ‘to seek sanctions’ for players who speak while covering mouths | OneFootball

Mikaël Silvestre, the former France and Manchester United defender, says he is exploring punishments for players who speak while covering their mouths, after allegations Gianluca Prestianni abused Vinicius Junior during Tuesday’s Champions League play-off first leg, Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid. He sits on FIFA’s Players’ Voice commission that backs anti-racism initiatives.

"Our WhatsApp group was on fire last night, and even this morning," he told Sky Sports. The panel includes George Weah, Didier Drogba and Blaise Matuidi.

"We are trying to find a way to sanction players who talk while covering their mouths. It is one thing to discuss tactics with team-mates or have an informal chat, but there was clearly hatred between the players, especially from one of them."

During the exchange complained of by Real Madrid’s players, Prestianni lifted his shirt over his mouth, making lip-reading impossible.

"This type of behaviour must be sanctioned. It takes time, because we have to talk with the referees about what they can and cannot do. It is a work in progress, but everybody is aware of the problem."

He did not specify what kind of sanction he favours.

Source: L'Équipe