Premier League Referees to Raise Hair-Pulling Red-Card Threshold and Increase Scrutiny of Holding and Goalkeeper Challenges in 2026-27

Premier League referees will require evidence of a clear and deliberate action with excessive force or brutality before showing a red card for hair pulling beginning in the 2026-27 season. The adjustment follows three dismissals for the offence during the 2025-26 campaign, each issued after video assistant referee review.

Everton defender Michael Keane, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez and Sunderland defender Dan Ballard were all sent off for hair pulling.

Stockport County defender Josh Dacres-Cogley received a red card for the same offence in the League One play-off final. Manchester United manager Michael Carrick described the decision against Martinez as one of the worst he had seen, and the club lost an appeal against the resulting three-match ban. Everton manager David Moyes stated that Keane had received a ban for absolutely nothing.

Under the revised guidance, referees will distinguish between violent conduct and accidental contact. Keane's holding and pulling of Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare would likely still result in a red card, while Ballard and Dacres-Cogley would probably receive only cautions. Martinez's case would remain open to interpretation.

Referees will also place greater emphasis on grappling and holding inside the penalty area on corners and set-pieces. Actions that have clear material impact and involve players focused solely on opponents will be penalised. Challenges on goalkeepers will be sanctioned if there is no intent to play or challenge for the ball.

The measures were agreed at the Premier League annual general meeting earlier in June 2026 following recommendations from the game improvement advisory board. The changes form part of the football principles and refereeing points of emphasis for 2026-27.