Handballs, offsides and the impact of video assistant referees (VAR) have been huge points of contention in recent years, but is it now time to add hair pulling to the list?
Sunderland defender Dan Ballard became the third player this season to be sent off for pulling an opponent's hair in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at relegated Wolves.
Referee Paul Tierney initially took no action, but showed a red card to the centre-back after VAR advised him to check the incident on the pitchside monitor.
As Sunderland fans chanted 'This isn't football', Ballard joined Everton’s Michael Keane and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez in being sent off for a hair pull this season.
Everton and Manchester United both failed in their appeals to get the red cards and their resulting three-game bans overturned, so it is unlikely Ballard and Sunderland will be successful should they make a challenge.
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, said: "I can't believe I'm on Match of the Day talking about players being sent off for hair pulling. It is ridiculous. The law has to change."
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart also gave his view on Match of the Day, adding: “I don’t think Dan Ballard is going for his hair, he is trying to get hold of the striker.
"According to the law, that is a red card. But do you want a player being sent off for violent conduct for that?
"It is the physical nature [of the sport], people trying to get hold of their opponent, so it doesn't make any sense."
Read Alex Brotherton’s full piece here
