Joe Hart questions Dan Ballard red card for hair pull in Sunderland draw at Wolves | OneFootball

Joe Hart questioned the decision to dismiss Dan Ballard in Sunderland’s 1-1 draw at Wolves, calling it harsh and raising consistency concerns. Ballard was sent off in the 24th minute after a pitchside monitor review for pulling Tolu Arokodare’s hair, leaving Régis Le Bris’ side down to 10 before a second-half equaliser.

“But you’re telling me there Dan Ballard is specifically going for his hair? I don’t think he is, I think he’s just looking to get hold of his striker.” He said on BBC Match of the Day.

He also asked: “That’s a red card?” He added: “For violent conduct?” He said he had “seen a lot more violent things happen this weekend, and nothing punished for it.”

In his post-match press conference, Le Bris said they understood the law and praised referee Paul Tierney, but argued the application was hard to digest. He maintained there was no intention or violence and suggested defending long-haired forwards can be problematic under the current interpretation.

Ballard is likely to miss Sunderland’s final three games of the season, as the offence is expected to be classed as violent conduct, carrying an automatic three-match ban. A similar incident occurred earlier this season, when Everton’s Michael Keane was sent off for pulling Arokodare’s hair in a draw against Wolves, and an appeal was rejected.

Source: Sunderland Echo