Premier League managers are voicing frustration over what they see as overly harsh punishments for hair-pulling incidents, with players receiving automatic red cards and three-match suspensions under current rules.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick called Lisandro Martinez's recent dismissal against Leeds United a "shocking decision," echoing similar complaints from Everton's David Moyes earlier this season. Both managers saw their defenders sent off for hair-pulling incidents that were reviewed by VAR.
"Never a red card, not in the Premier League," said former England striker Alan Shearer. "We need to be careful about where the game is heading if that is being deemed violent conduct and a red card. It's not what we want to see."
The controversy stems from a zero-tolerance approach adopted after a high-profile incident in August 2022, when Tottenham's Cristian Romero pulled Chelsea's Marc Cucurella by the hair without VAR intervention. Since then, any confirmed hair pull has resulted in a red card for violent conduct.
Referees' chief Howard Webb defended the policy, stating: "It was the appropriate outcome. It was unusual but if we see it again next week it will be the same outcome."
Three-match ban debate intensifies
What particularly irks managers is the automatic three-match suspension that accompanies these red cards. In England's Premier League, violent conduct carries a mandatory three-game ban, putting hair-pulling in the same category as headbutts and dangerous tackles.
Moyes unsuccessfully appealed Keane's suspension, arguing the punishment was excessive. A Football Association panel rejected the appeal by a 2-1 vote, with former players among those deciding.
Other European leagues typically impose one-match bans that can be extended case-by-case, leading to questions about whether England's system is too rigid.
Why hair-pulling equals violent conduct
Premier League guidance defines violent conduct as occurring when a player "clearly pull[s] the hair of an opponent with force." Officials argue that pulling hair away from the scalp causes pain and shock similar to other violent acts.
During Everton's appeal hearing, the panel noted that "you cannot legitimately challenge for the ball by pulling someone's hair" and that such actions "fall outside the normal constituent elements of a challenge in football."
Yet inconsistencies remain. Arsenal's Katie McCabe escaped punishment for pulling an opponent's hair in the Women's Champions League, while similar incidents in the Premier League consistently result in red cards.
Growing calls for rule review
With managers pointing out that dangerous tackles and minor hair pulls receive identical three-match bans, pressure is building for a reassessment. The Premier League reviews rules with stakeholders each summer, and this controversy seems likely to feature in upcoming discussions about whether hair-pulling deserves its current classification as violent conduct.