Hair Pulling Rule Changes in Premier League
Premier League referees will adjust their approach to judging hair pulling offenses starting next season, following three red cards issued for this foul during the 2025-26 season.
In addition, officials will be instructed to focus more on grappling and holding during corners and set-pieces, where such actions have become frequent.
These changes were agreed upon at the Premier League Annual General Meeting earlier this month after consultation with the game improvement advisory board. They are part of the "football principles" and "refereeing points of emphasis" for the 2026-27 season.
All three red cards for hair pulling were issued after reviews by the video assistant referee (VAR) and sparked criticism from the managers of the players involved.
Players sent off for hair pulling included Everton's Michael Keane, Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez, and Sunderland's Dan Ballard, all following VAR interventions.
United boss Michael Carrick called it "one of worst decisions I've seen" but lost an appeal to have the three-match ban overturned.
Additionally, Stockport County defender Josh Dacres-Cogley was dismissed for hair pulling in the League One play-off final.
From next season, however, not every instance of hair pulling will result in a red card. Instead, referees will place greater emphasis on the level of force used and the player's intention.
Everton boss David Moyes criticised the red card shown to Keane, claiming his player had received a ban for "absolutely nothing".
Despite the revised guidance, hair pulling will not be tolerated. Referees will be instructed to identify "clear and deliberate action" involving "excessive force and/or brutality".
It is likely that Keane would still be sent off under the new interpretation, as his holding and pulling of Wolves' Tolu Arokodare was deemed violent conduct.
Conversely, Ballard and Dacres-Cogley would probably receive yellow cards, although VAR cannot intervene for bookings.
Martinez's red card is considered a borderline case and subject to interpretation.
The change aims to allow more leniency for players who may inadvertently hold an opponent's hair.
Enhanced Focus on Grappling and Holding
A match between Everton and Manchester United in March exemplified a season plagued by corner chaos.
Set-pieces were marred by holding, grappling, and pushing inside the penalty area, involving players from both teams.
During the game, Everton players stood on top of goalkeeper Senne Lammens, Leny Yoro was pushed into the net by James Tarkowski, and Harry Maguire was also involved.
"You get the feeling now that referees really don't want to get involved in any of it," Moyes said. "It's really poor that they've not tried to deal with it."
Next season, referees will be directed to pay closer attention to "holding actions that have clear material impact," including players who are "clearly only focused on opponents and making a holding action."
Challenges on goalkeepers will be penalised if there is no intent to play or challenge for the ball.
This focus comes as no surprise, given the issue was highlighted by the game improvement advisory board.
The game improvement advisory board reviews incidents and trends throughout the season and recommends potential changes.
It is part of the annual football survey, which is sent to captains, coaches, commentators, and other stakeholders, and helps determine refereeing points of emphasis for the following season.
Previously, this process has resulted in a more relaxed application of handball rules and has set thresholds for challenges and VAR interventions.
- VAR, timewasting and substitutions - World Cup law changes explained
- No more delayed flag? FIFA adds new offside technology for World Cup
