Premier League to soften rules on hair pulling after VAR controversy

The Premier League is set to modify its interpretation of fouls involving hair pulling, grappling, and contact during set-pieces starting next season. This adjustment comes after a series of contentious red cards, often upgraded by VAR, during the 2025-26 season led to widespread discussion among clubs and managers.

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not every instance of hair pulling will now result in a sending-off. Instead, referees will be instructed to assess whether there is a “clear and deliberate action” involving “excessive force and/or brutality.”

Under new guidelines, termed "football principles," referees will be instructed to prioritize whether an action is deliberate, forceful, and violent. The emphasis will shift away from automatic punishment for contact like hair pulling, meaning not every instance will result in a sending-off. Instead, officials will assess if there is a "clear and deliberate action" involving "excessive force and/or brutality."

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one of the worst decisions I’ve seen.

This recalibration follows three high-profile dismissals involving players like Michael Keane, Lisandro Martínez, and Dan Ballard, all of which were reviewed and upgraded by VAR. Managers, including Manchester United's Michael Carrick and Everton's David Moyes, had strongly criticized these decisions, with Carrick calling one ruling "one of the worst decisions I've seen."

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Absolutely nothing.

In addition to clarifications on hair pulling, referees will be told to pay closer attention to holding and grappling within the penalty area, particularly during corners and free-kicks. Players who are "clearly only focused on opponents and making a holding action," especially when not attempting to play the ball, will be penalized. The league also plans to address the increasing use of "tactical timeouts" by goalkeepers, where they deliberately slow down play to communicate with outfield players.

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It’s really poor that they’ve not tried to deal with it.