Dan Ballard facing season-ending ban after VAR red as Premier League explains decision | OneFootball

Sunderland’s Dan Ballard was sent off in the first half of their Premier League match against Wolves after a VAR check. The Premier League match centre said the dismissal was for violent conduct.

Officials initially missed the flashpoint, then VAR intervened once the ball went out for a throw-in. Referee Paul Tierney consulted the monitor and showed red, with the review finding Ballard pulled the hair of forward Tolu Arokodare.

Violent conduct brings an automatic three-match suspension, so Ballard would miss the rest of the league campaign unless Sunderland appeal and are successful.

Should the ban stand, Régis Le Bris will be without the centre-back for the run-in against Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea.

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

Source: Sunderland Echo