Three red cards for hair pulling in 2026 - is it time to change law?

When it comes to hair pulling, there isn't a specific law. It currently falls under the remit of violent conduct, in the same way that pushing someone in the face or elbowing an opponent in the head does. As hair pulling is treated as an act of violent conduct, referees' body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) made it clear to clubs at the start of the season that it will always be considered a red-card offence. …