Premier League adjusts red card policies on hair pulling and grappling
6 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 5:56 PM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
Premier League referees will alter their approach to hair pulling and set-piece grappling starting next season. This decision follows three red cards issued during the 2025-26 season after video assistant referee reviews. Referees are now instructed to evaluate incidents more closely, focusing on intent and the level of force involved. The changes were discussed at the Premier League AGM and are part of new guidelines from the game improvement advisory board. Future enforcement will aim to balance fairness with discipline, particularly at set pieces.
- •Referees will focus more on intent behind hair pulling.
- •Greater scrutiny on grappling during corners and set pieces.
- •The changes follow criticism from managers regarding previous red card decisions.
- •New policy aims to provide clarity on unacceptable actions.
- •Players may face yellow cards instead of red for less severe infractions.
- 5:05 PMYahoo Sports — Premier League changes hair-pulling punishment for new season
- 3:30 PMBBC Sport — Premier League target hair pulling and set-piece grappling in rules review
- 3:18 PMYahoo Sports — Premier League to relax red cards for hair pulling
"Premier League referees will be able to book players for hair-pulling instead of sending them off after a change of emphasis in the rules for the 2026-27 season.The Premier League on Friday detailed new refereeing points of emphasis for the new season after discussions with the top-flight's Game Improvement Advisory Group.
"Referees will now issue yellow cards for hair pulling in the 2026/27 season after a new set of football principles and refereeing points of emphasis were unveiled by the Premier League.
"Premier League referees have been told to change the way they judge hair pulling after three players were sent off last season.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 12, 2026, 5:05 PMPremier League changes hair-pulling punishment for new season
Premier League referees will be able to book players for hair-pulling instead of sending them off after a change of emphasis in the rules for the 2026-27 season.The Premier League on Friday detailed new refereeing points of emphasis for the new season after discussions with the top-flight's Game Improvement Advisory Group.
- BBC SportJun 12, 2026, 3:30 PMPremier League target hair pulling and set-piece grappling in rules review
Premier League referees have been told to change the way they judge hair pulling after three players were sent off last season.
- Yahoo SportsJun 12, 2026, 3:18 PMPremier League to relax red cards for hair pulling
Premier League referees have been told to change the way they judge hair pulling after three players were sent off last season.
- Sky Sports—PL referees to issue yellow cards for hair pulling after rule change
Referees will now issue yellow cards for hair pulling in the 2026/27 season after a new set of football principles and refereeing points of emphasis were unveiled by the Premier League.
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