Hair pulling in football: Three red cards for hair pulls in 2026 – does law need changing?
There is no specific law for pulling hair.
It currently falls under violent behavior, such as pushing someone in the face or elbowing an opponent in the head.
As hair pulling is considered violent behaviour, referees body Professional Game Match Authors Limited (PGMOL) made it clear to clubs at the start of the season that this would always be treated as a red card offence.
“This is really hard to digest because I don’t think it was a deliberate and violent act. It was a duel in the air and with a tall striker,” added Le Bris.
“So 20 times in the game a lot of things can happen in the air, but it wasn’t intentional.
“If rules are rules, you’ll have problems when you face a long-haired striker because you can’t defend, anything can happen.”
It’s a gray area though.
Fulham defender Kenny Tete escaped a red card for pulling Manchester City striker Antoine Semenyo’s hair during the 3-0 Premier League defeat on February 11.
This is also a problem in women’s football. On 1 April, Arsenal’s Katie McCabe remained on the field despite pulling Chelsea winger Alyssa Thompson’s hair during the Women’s Champions League quarter-final.
Le Bris said: “I think it’s important that the referees and the Premier League are clear about the rule because then you can’t duel in case you accidentally catch something. “I hope we can meet with the referees to adjust this rule and make it better.
“It’s difficult when the striker has long hair. It’s important to have this conversation and make the rule clearer.”
There is no questioning that Tierney followed directions at Molineux.
“This is the letter of the law. We went through this twice with Tolu. [Arokodare] This season,” said Wolves manager Rob Edwards.
“I’m not saying it was intentional, but it did happen.”
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC Match of the Day: “I sympathize with Sunderland and I sympathize with the Premier League, which we love because of its physicality.
“I don’t think Ballard was looking at his hair today, he’s trying to catch the striker. According to the law it’s a red card but do you want a player to be sent off for violent behaviour? It’s that physical nature, people are trying to catch their opponent. It makes no sense.”
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney added: “I can’t believe I’m on Match of the Day talking about players being sent off for pulling hair. It’s ridiculous. The law needs to change.”
