Sunderland appeal Dan Ballard red card, process and possible outcomes set out | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland have lodged an appeal against Dan Ballard’s red card for violent conduct at Molineux. As it stands, the centre-back faces a three-game suspension that would end his Premier League season.

The Black Cats were 1-0 up when VAR sent referee Paul Tierney to the monitor. He ruled Ballard had clearly pulled the hair of Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare, then dismissed the defender.

The club argue the incident was accidental and not violent conduct, having weighed up their options before appealing. An FA panel will now decide whether to uphold or overturn the decision, with powers to reduce the ban if excessive or extend it if the appeal is deemed frivolous.

Head coach Régis Le Bris said the club would consider challenging the call and felt a three-game punishment was harsh. He praised Tierney as an excellent referee but said the law is hard to apply, maintaining there was no intent in an aerial contest and that long hair can complicate defending.

Similar Premier League appeals for hair-pulling by Everton’s Michael Keane and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez were unsuccessful, both serving three-game bans. Sunderland believe they have a strong case on lack of intent and proportionality. A verdict is expected before Saturday’s visit of Manchester United to the Stadium of Light.

Source: Sunderland Echo