The Premier League has made it clear that pulling out an opponent’s hair will not automatically result in a red card under updated refereeing guidelines for the coming season.
In a statement on Friday, the league said players will only be sent off the field if there is «excessive force and/or brutality.» Incidents deemed intentional but lacking excessive force will instead be punished with a yellow card.
The clarification follows several red card incidents last season involving Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, Everton’s Michael Keane and Sunderland’s Dan Ballard.
The guidelines are part of a wider set of refereeing principles that set out how the Laws of the Game will be interpreted during the 2026-2027 campaign.
The Premier League also said holding fouls will come under increased scrutiny, with referees encouraged to penalize non-football actions that have a material impact on the opponent.
Additionally, officials will place more emphasis on protecting goaltenders. Players who make contact without making a real attempt to play the ball, thus affecting the goalkeeper’s ability to challenge for the ball, are more likely to be penalized.
Published on June 13, 2026
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