Premier League referees adjust hair-pulling red card rules ahead of 2026 season

Top-flight referees will adopt a more nuanced approach to hair-pulling incidents, with greater focus on force and intent starting next season.

New guidelines for hair-pulling offences Referees in the Premier League have been instructed to modify how they assess hair-pulling incidents following three dismissals for the offence last season. The changes will prioritize evaluating the level of force used and the intent behind the action. The adjustments were finalized during the Premier League’s annual general meeting this month after consultations with the game’s improvement advisory board. ## Players sent off under current rules All three red cards issued for hair pulling last season were confirmed through video assistant referee reviews, sparking criticism from the dismissed players’ managers. Michael Keane of Everton, Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United, and Dan Ballard of Sunderland were all shown the red card for hair pulling via VAR intervention. United manager Michael Carrick described the decision as "one of worst decisions I’ve seen" but failed to overturn the three-match ban on appeal. ## Additional dismissal in lower division A fourth hair-pulling red card was issued in the League One play-off final, where Stockport County defender Josh Dacres-Cogley was sent off for the same offence. The new guidelines will not make hair pulling universally acceptable but will allow referees to differentiate between deliberate violent conduct and incidental contact. ## Focus on grappling and holding at set-pieces The Premier League is also tightening enforcement on grappling and holding inside the penalty area, particularly during corners and set-pieces. This follows widespread concerns about persistent illegal holding and pushing during dead-ball situations. The issue was highlighted after a chaotic encounter between Everton and Manchester United in March, where multiple incidents of holding and obstruction went unpunished. ## Reactions from managers and players Everton boss David Moyes criticized the red card shown to Keane, arguing his player had received a ban for "absolutely nothing". Moyes also expressed frustration at referees’ reluctance to intervene in physical confrontations, stating, "You get the feeling now that referees really don’t want to get involved in any of it. It’s really poor that they’ve not tried to deal with it." ## Potential impact on future cases Under the revised rules, some incidents previously deemed red cards may now result in yellow cards, though VAR cannot intervene for bookings. For example, Keane’s challenge—described as violent conduct due to both holding and hair pulling—would likely still warrant a red card. Meanwhile, Ballard and Dacres-Cogley’s cases might be downgraded to yellow cards if deemed accidental. ## Role of the advisory board The game improvement advisory board reviews incidents and trends throughout the season to propose potential rule changes. Their recommendations are incorporated into an annual football survey sent to captains, coaches, and other stakeholders, which helps determine referee emphasis for the following season. Past surveys have influenced relaxed handball interpretations and VAR thresholds for fouls and challenges. ## Broader context of rule adjustments The Premier League’s move aligns with a broader trend of refining officiating, including the introduction of new offside technology. Other leagues have also adjusted VAR protocols to address delays and errors, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve match fairness. The changes aim to balance strict enforcement with practical leniency where appropriate.