Referee Paul Tierney speaks with Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United after showing him a red card for pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United during the Premier League match at Old Trafford on April 13, 2026. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Premier League has clarified that pulling an opponent’s hair will not automatically result in a red card under updated refereeing guidelines for the upcoming season.

In a statement on Friday, the league said players will be sent off only if hair pulling involves “excessive force and/or brutality”. Incidents deemed deliberate but lacking excessive force will instead be punished with a yellow card.

The clarification follows several red-card incidents last season involving Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, Everton’s Michael Keane and Sunderland’s Dan Ballard.

The guidance forms part of a broader set of refereeing principles outlining how the Laws of the Game will be interpreted during the 2026-27 campaign.

The Premier League also said holding offences will come under greater scrutiny, with referees encouraged to penalise non-footballing actions that have a material impact on opponents.

Additionally, officials will place increased emphasis on protecting goalkeepers. Players who initiate contact without making a genuine attempt to play the ball, thereby affecting a goalkeeper’s ability to challenge for it, will be more likely to be penalised.

Published on Jun 13, 2026