cards

Players at the World Cup could face a red card if they cover their mouths when speaking to opponents during confrontations.

The decision was taken during a special meeting of the Fifa Council in Vancouver, Canada, on Tuesday, where two Fifa-proposed law amendments were approved.

Players who leave the pitch in protest at a referee’s decisions could also now face a red card, following ugly scenes at the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.

Both law changes have been approved as competition opt-ins by the International Football Association Board (Ifab).

Fifa has confirmed they will be adopted at this summer’s World Cup.

The issue of players covering their mouths became high profile in February when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni raised his shirt while speaking to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr during a Champions League game.

The Argentina international was accused of racist abuse and provisionally banned for one match. Following a Uefa investigation, Prestianni was found guilty of homophobic conduct and banned for six matches – three of which were suspended.

The issue was discussed at the Ifab annual general meeting in Wales later that month where it was agreed the matter would be on the agenda at the Fifa Council.

The decision remains at the absolute discretion of the referee, who will consider all circumstances before issuing a red card.

The six-part hostage drama is based on a “must-read” novel.

Netflix’s latest thriller was inspired by a story hailed “quite brilliant in its twists and turns”.

Fans of political thrillers are in for a treat as Netflix has announced a brand new drama from the creators of Humans and the author of House of Cards.

The series, which will be led by British actor and entrepreneur Damson Idris and is one of Netflix’s many hit thrillers, centres around a “nightmare scenario” which sees the government of the United Kingdom taken hostage.

Parliament is now enemy territory and ex-spy Harry Jones (Idris), is the perfect man to save the government if it were not for one problem – he is also a convicted traitor.

The title of the new series is The Lords’ Day, and it is based on the book by Michael Dobbs, who also happens to be a member of the House of Lords.

Netflix promised the thriller will be “an electrifying ride through England’s halls of power.”

The synopsis reads: “On the State Opening of Parliament, British spy Harry Jones finds himself inside the Palace of Westminster amid a lockdown.

“As a hostage siege escalates, loyalties are tested and selfless sacrifices are made, leading to a desperate fight for survival where not everyone will emerge alive.

“Can Harry use his skills and training to be the country’s saviour?”

Actor Idris, 34, is best known for his roles in Snowfall, Outside the Wire and F1, and he is the only casting announced so far. Production will begin soon in the UK.

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Fans of the original source material took to Goodreads to share their thoughts, with one commenting: “A must read book by Michael Dobbs that was equally as good as the Francis Urquart series!”

Another shared: “Excellent read, I was engrossed with every page. Again, Harry Jones at his best.”

A third called it “fascinating”, adding: “Quite brilliant in its twists and turns and details. Utterly plausible in it’s plot and characterisation. I have found a new favourite author.”

Another reader shared: “A real page turner. Never a dull moment with plenty of action and political intrigue. Edge of the seat thrills and twists.”

The book reviews suggest the TV adaptation will be one of Netflix’s most gripping thrillers.

The Lords’ Day will air on Netflix