Sunderland submit Dan Ballard red card appeal, what happens next explained | OneFootball

Sunderland have appealed Dan Ballard's red card for violent conduct at Molineux, a dismissal that currently leaves the defender facing a suspension that would end his Premier League campaign.

According to Sunderland Echo, the club decided to proceed after reviewing their options, insisting the incident was accidental rather than violent conduct.

Sunderland were 1-0 up when VAR sent referee Paul Tierney to the monitor. He then judged Ballard had 'clearly' pulled the hair of Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and showed a red card.

An FA panel will now rule on the appeal, either upholding or overturning the decision. They could maintain the red but cut the length of the ban if they deem three games excessive, or increase it if the appeal is judged frivolous.

Head coach Régis Le Bris said post-match that the team would consider an appeal and felt the punishment was harsh. He argued the contact was unintentional and said applying the rule in such duels is difficult, particularly against a forward with long hair.

Similar appeals over hair pulling by Everton's Michael Keane and Manchester United's Lisandro Martínez have failed this season, both serving three-game bans. A decision on Ballard is expected before Saturday's visit of Manchester United to the Stadium of Light.

Source: Sunderland Echo