Hair-pulling red cards are fuelling fresh debate over whether football laws and VAR need reform.

Hair pulling has emerged as football’s latest refereeing controversy after Sunderland defender Dan Ballard was sent off in a 1-1 draw at Wolves. Ballard became the third player this season dismissed for grabbing an opponent’s hair, following Everton’s Michael Keane and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez.

Under current laws, hair pulling is treated as violent conduct, carrying automatic red cards and three-match bans. Sunderland boss Regis le Bris argued Ballard’s action was accidental, saying, “When the forward has long hair, it’s hard.”

Former striker Wayne Rooney blasted the law, saying, “It is ridiculous. The law has to change.” Critics say VAR has magnified incidents once missed by referees. Former official Darren Cann suggested creating a separate offence with bans based on severity.

Debate now centres on whether all hair pulls deserve violent conduct punishment in modern football rules today.

READ MORE AT BBC SPORT.

The Champions League return leg between Bayern and PSG has sparked fury as secondary market tickets hit a staggering €8,000. Official prices were just €19–€200 by category. 

Now with official seats long gone, desperate fans are facing “extortionate” costs to witness the showdown in Munich. Is any match worth a house deposit? The beautiful game is getting very expensive.

READ MORE FROM ONE FOOTBALL

Atletico Madrid face a mounting injury crisis ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg at Arsenal. Julian Alvarez (ankle), David Hancko (knock), and Giuliano Simeone (knock) are minor doubts.

Major concerns include Pablo Barrios, Jose Gimenez, and Nico Gonzalez—all battling muscle injuries. Alexander Sorloth missed Valencia through muscular issues but should return. The first leg ended 1-1, with Alvarez’s penalty cancelling Viktor Gyokeres’ opener.

"We never stopped believing and we're not going to"

Viktor Gyökeres reacts after scoring two goals and grabbing an assist against Fulham 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ROWI1YOlti

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 2, 2026

“At this stage, we have to win the games that are left. We showed a good performance and are happy to have got the three points.

“I think we always go into games believing we’re going to play well and create a lot of chances. Today we did that and we enjoyed it.

“We never stopped believing. We’re not going to. That’s how it is and we keep going. We just need to focus on the next game.

“It’s been good. We’ve had some good results. We’re on a good path, but we have to stay there and keep going like this.”

On Arsenal’s silverware hopes: “It’s not so many games left now. We’re in a good position now, so of course [we have a good chance].”

🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️

⚡️ Calafiori joins the defence
© Saka skippers the side
🪄 Eze providing the creativity

We know what to do, Gunners ✊

🤝 Presented by @deel

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 2, 2026

VIA FABRIZIO ROMANO:

Inter Miami are still pushing to sign Casemiro, making the Brazilian midfielder their priority target. Talks remain ongoing, with the former Real Madrid star said to be tempted by the Miami project ahead of other offers. The MLS side continue working to seal a blockbuster move.

VIA THE ATHLETIC:

Ipswich Town are back in the Premier League after a 3-0 win over QPR sealed automatic promotion alongside Coventry City. Wrexham’s top-flight hopes ended after drawing with Middlesbrough, while Hull City’s win over Norwich knocked Phil Parkinson’s side out of the play-off places.

VIA DAILY POST:

Alex Iwobi will miss Fulham’s London derby against Arsenal after manager Marco Silva confirmed the Nigerian midfielder remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Iwobi, 29, has been out since sustaining the injury in Fulham’s 0-0 draw with Brentford two weeks ago. He also missed last weekend’s win over Aston Villa. Silva confirmed Kevin is also unavailable.

VIA THE ATHLETICFC:

Real Madrid are in talks with retired midfielder Toni Kroos about bringing him back to the club in a new role within their sporting structure. Sources say Madrid see Kroos as a valuable asset for squad planning, club representation and training ground support. The move would mirror the route taken by Zinedine Zidane when he returned to the club before becoming manager.

VIA BEN JACOBS:

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been handed a four-year ban by the FA for an anti-doping offence — the maximum punishment available. The Ukrainian has taken his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, filing documents on 25 February 2026. CAS confirm an appeal is underway, with written submissions being exchanged and no hearing yet scheduled. Chelsea declined to comment.