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Hair-Pulling Trend in Premier League Continues as Dan Ballard Sent Off for Sunderland

Hair-pulling red cards are becoming more common in the Premier League, and Ballard faces a standard three-match ban after VAR upheld the decision.

  • On Saturday, Sunderland defender Dan Ballard was sent off at Molineux for pulling the hair of Wolverhampton striker Tolu Arokodare, with referee Paul Tierney issuing the red card in the 24th minute following a VAR review.
  • After taking an early lead through defender Nordi Mukiele's 17th-minute header, Sunderland's numerical disadvantage proved costly when Wolves defender Santiago Bueno equalized in the 54th minute for a 1-1 draw.
  • Hair pulling is classified as violent conduct, typically resulting in a three-match suspension. This marks the second time this season Arokodare has been targeted, following a similar red card issued to Everton defender Michael Keane in January.
  • The dismissal likely ends Ballard's season due to the mandatory three-match ban, while frustrated supporters at Molineux derided the officiating with chants of 'it's not football anymore' as the result dented Sunderland's European qualification hopes.
  • Officials have increasingly penalized such physical altercations, including Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez's recent red card against Leeds, reflecting growing scrutiny on player conduct as referees strictly enforce violent conduct bans.
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27 Articles

The Toronto StarThe Toronto Star
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Hair-pulling trend in Premier League continues as Dan Ballard sent off for Sunderland

Red cards for hair-pulling have never been so frequent in the Premier League.

·Toronto, Canada
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WWL broke the news on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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