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13 June 2026 Updated: 26 June 2026
New rule in the Premier League: not always straight red for hair pulling
The Premier League has introduced a new rule which states that hair pulling no longer automatically leads to a straight red card unless there is excessive violence or cruelty.
From next season, hair-pulling in the Premier League will no longer automatically result in a straight red card. Under the new rules, the presence of "excessive violence or cruelty" will also be required. This season, three players have been sent off in England for hair pulling. Twice the victim was Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare, while Michael Keane (Everton) and Dan Balard (Sunderland) pulled the Nigerian's hair. Manchester United's Lisandro Martínez also received a red after a tackle with Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Previously, there was hope in England for a change to the rule. Wayne Rooney, speaking to the BBC, commented: "I can't believe I'm here talking about players being sent off for hair pulling. It's ridiculous. This rule needs to be changed." Former Premier League referee Darren Cann also spoke out in favor of a review of the rule, suggesting that hair pulling could be classified in a separate category. “One idea could be to consider hair pulling as violent behavior, but with different treatment in case of expulsion.” Now, the rule has changed: a direct red card will only be issued for pulling hair with excessive violence or cruelty, to prevent players who accidentally pull their opponents' hair from being sent off.
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