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EPL Drops Automatic Red for Hair-Pulling, Adds Strict Criteria

6/13/2026

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Summary

EPL Softens Hair-Pull

The English Premier League announced that hair-pulling will not automatically result in a red card under the 2026-27 guidelines.
A red card applies only when the pull uses excessive force or brutality, with deliberate pulls receiving a yellow card.
The rule change, prompted by last-season red-card cases involving Lisandro Martinez, Michael Keane and Dan Ballard, adds stricter scrutiny of holding offences and goalkeeper protection.

Summary

FA Tightens Timings

A five-second countdown will be enforced for throw-ins and goal kicks.
Substituted players must exit the pitch within ten seconds.
VAR may review a second yellow leading to a red but cannot issue a second yellow.
Injured players must stay off the field at least one minute, up from thirty seconds.
Key dates are June 15 for the transfer window, June 19 at 10 am for fixtures, and May 30 2027 for the final match.

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EPL Softens Hair-Pull

The English Premier League announced that hair-pulling will not automatically result in a red card under the 2026-27 guidelines.
A red card applies only when the pull uses excessive force or brutality, with deliberate pulls receiving a yellow card.
The rule change, prompted by last-season red-card cases involving Lisandro Martinez, Michael Keane and Dan Ballard, adds stricter scrutiny of holding offences and goalkeeper protection.

1 / 2