Almiron will be suspended for Thursday night's (Friday AEST) game against the Socceroos after becoming the first player sent off at a World Cup for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation.
The former Newcastle United midfielder's World Cup could be over depending on how dimly FIFA looks upon the incident, which falls under new rules introduced this year.
In Friday night's clash with Turkey in Santa Clara, Paraguay were leading 1-0 in first half stoppage time when a scuffle broke out.
Almiron put his right hand over his mouth while appearing to say something to Turkey's Mert Muldur.
Muldur immediately alerted the referee and, after a VAR review, Atlanta midfielder Almiron was sent off - then with 10 men, Paraguay were able to hang on for an almighty victory, eliminating Turkey.
Almiron's suspension is a hefty blow to Paraguay's midfield stocks ahead of facing Australia.
If Paraguay beat Australia on Thursday they will finish second in Group D, while a draw could mean progression as a best third-placed finisher.
A loss to the Socceroos would put their qualification hopes in danger.
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro said he accepted the rules had been applied and Almiron had apologised to his teammates.
"The first thing I told him when he came into the dressing room was, 'change that face, we won, don't feel guilty about anything. What happened brought out even more of your teammates' fighting spirit'," he said.
"He was in a lot of pain because he felt that, for a player of his experience, those things can't happen.
"But it happened. That's it. We're here to support him, to carry him, to push him."
Alfaro queried whether Almiron's offence should just be worthy of a yellow card.
"The fear I have is that football loses its essence," Alfaro said.
"Let's not become slaves to the rule book."
Almiron posted on his Instagram story of his team celebrating their 1-0 win, but didn't reference his dismissal.
"I want to thank the effort of my teammates today, giving everything in each ball, thank you, thank you, thank you, I'm proud to be part of this squad," he said, in a caption translated from Spanish.
The FIFA-proposed law regarding players covering their mouths was approved by the International Football Association Board in April.
It came after Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of making racist slurs towards him, while covering his mouth with his shirt, during a Champions League game.
Prestianni, who denied the accusation, was later banned for six matches - of which three were suspended - by UEFA for homophobic conduct.
There are exceptions to the rule such as allowing players to cover their mouths during friendly conversations with club teammates on opposing teams.
With Reuters
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