Sunderland lose Dan Ballard to ban as Premier League issues red card explanation | OneFootball

Dan Ballard is set to miss the rest of Sunderland’s Premier League season after his first-half red card against Wolves, pending any successful appeal.

He was dismissed for violent conduct following a VAR review, with referee Paul Tierney sending him off after an on-field monitor check. The Premier League said in a statement that the decision followed Ballard clearly pulling the hair of Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare.

Officials had not initially spotted the incident, and play continued until the ball went out for a throw-in, prompting VAR intervention. Violent conduct carries an automatic three-match suspension, which would rule Ballard out for the remainder of the campaign unless Sunderland appeal successfully.

Régis Le Bris will be without the centre-back for fixtures against Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea if the ban stands. Sunderland face a demanding finish.

The head coach could move Nordi Mukiele into central defence and use Trai Hume or Lutsharel Geertruida at right back. Alternatively, Luke O’Nien could be recalled to the heart of the back line.

Source: Sunderland Echo