The Premier League are set to make significant changes in the way referees handle hair pulling incidents, following a series of controversial red cards during the 2025-26 season. The new measures were agreed upon at the Premier League Annual General Meeting (AGM) and will be implemented from next season.
In an effort to improve game quality, officials will now place a greater emphasis on grappling and holding inside the area, which has become prevalent during corners and set-pieces. This move comes as part of the "football principles" and "refereeing points of emphasis" for 2026-27.
During last season, three players - Everton's Michael Keane, Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez, and Sunderland's Dan Ballard - were sent off for hair pulling after video assistant referee (VAR) reviews. These decisions sparked criticism from their respective managers.
New guidelines for hair pulling offences
Under the new guidelines, not every incident of hair pulling will result in a red card. Instead, referees will consider both the level of force used and intent behind it before making their decision. This does not mean that hair pulling will be tolerated outright; rather it aims to differentiate between accidental contact and deliberate actions involving "excessive force or brutality".
For instance:
- Keane’s dismissal would likely still stand under these rules due to his violent conduct towards Wolves' Tolu Arokodare.
- On contrastingly lighter offences like those committed by Ballard or Stockport County defender Josh Dacres-Cogley would probably warrant yellow cards instead.
- Cases like Martinez’s would fall into a grey area open to interpretation by officials.
It should be noted that VAR cannot intervene in cases where only bookings are involved. In addition to these changes regarding physical conduct on field, another measure to curb the goalkeeper's "tactical timeout" is also set to be introduced. This move aims to maintain the flow of the game and reduce unnecessary delays.
These changes are expected to bring more clarity and fairness in decision-making, reducing controversies while maintaining discipline on field. The Premier League’s proactive approach towards refining its rules reflects its commitment towards improving the quality of football for both players and fans alike.
