Wolves boss says Dan Ballard and Tolu Arokodare shook hands after red card | OneFootball

Dan Ballard was sent off for violent conduct in Sunderland’s 1-1 draw at Wolves, with Rob Edwards later saying he and Tolu Arokodare shook hands.

According to Sunderland Echo, Ballard was dismissed midway through the first half after a VAR review, referee Paul Tierney ruling that he had pulled the forward’s hair.

Edwards said he sympathised with Ballard but stressed that the current application of the law is clear. He did not think there was intent and noted similar incidents had involved Arokodare twice this season.

Sunderland were ahead when the red card came, but Santiago Bueno equalised after the break. Edwards said his side created good openings and pushed on, yet the pressure of facing 10 men grew and a winner eluded them. He introduced Rodrigo at half-time and felt Wolves began the second period well.

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris said he understood the decision to dismiss Ballard, though he felt the execution of the rule was hard to digest. He did not consider the action intentional or violent, describing an aerial duel with a tall striker and suggesting long hair complicates defending under this interpretation.

Ballard will miss the rest of the campaign as he serves a three-game suspension for violent conduct.

Source: Sunderland Echo