Sunderland suffer suspension blow as Premier League clarify Ballard red card | OneFootball

Dan Ballard will miss the rest of Sunderland’s campaign after a first-half red card for violent conduct against Wolves. The centre-back was dismissed following a VAR review.

Officials initially failed to spot the flashpoint, with play stopping for a throw-in before VAR intervened and referee Paul Tierney consulted the pitchside monitor. The Premier League match centre said in a statement that, after review, the referee issued a red card for violent conduct and ruled Ballard had clearly pulled the hair of a Wolves player.

The incident concerned Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare. Violent conduct brings an automatic three-match ban, so Ballard will miss the remainder of the Premier League season unless Sunderland appeal and succeed.

Régis Le Bris will therefore be without the defender for three tough final fixtures against Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea.

The head coach could move Nordi Mukiele into central defence and use Trai Hume or Lutsharel Geertruida at right back, or recall Luke O’Nien.

Source: Sunderland Echo