Jay Bothroyd and Dermot Gallagher split over Dan Ballard red card as Sunderland row rumbles on | OneFootball

Jay Bothroyd and Dermot Gallagher are at odds over Dan Ballard’s dismissal, a flashpoint that could leave Sunderland without the defender for the run-in.

Ballard was sent off in the first half of the 1-1 draw at Wolves after Paul Tierney reviewed a pitchside monitor following a VAR intervention. The incident involved Tolu Arokodare and was judged a hair pull. According to Sunderland Echo, the call has fuelled debate over whether current guidance on hair pulling needs more nuance.

Bothroyd contended that not every contact with hair should be treated the same, saying accidental entanglement differs from a deliberate tug. He cited examples this season, arguing Michael Keane’s was a clear pull, while incidents involving Gabriel against Man City and Lisandro Martinez were not.

Gallagher took the opposite view, insisting that in the current climate a replay showing hair pulling makes a red card inevitable. He framed it as serious foul play once VAR highlights the contact.

Ballard is expected to miss the final three matches, against Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea, through suspension. Sunderland could appeal, though a successful challenge appears unlikely given similar cases have been rejected this season.

Source: Sunderland Echo