Lisandro Martinez. On 23/4, during a midfield challenge, Martinez pulled Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair, resulting in a direct red card. Playing with one player less, Manchester United could not reverse the situation, losing 1-2 to Leeds United in the 32nd round of the Premier League. After the match, coach Michael Carrick called the referee's decision one of the worst things he had ever witnessed on a football pitch. However, The Football Association's Disciplinary Committee is considering a three-match suspension for the Argentine defender.

Michael Keane. In january, during an aerial challenge in the 83rd minute, Everton defender Michael Keane pulled the hair of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tolu Arokodare. After a VAR review, the referee issued a direct red card to Keane for violent conduct. Everton's subsequent appeal was unsuccessful, leading to a three-match suspension for the English defender.

Jack Stephens. In 2024, during Southampton's 1-5 Premier League loss to Chelsea at St Mary's, the home captain unexpectedly pulled Marc Cucurella's hair, causing him to fall while preparing for a corner kick. At that moment, the ball was not in play, and Stephens had no reason to justify the physical contact with his opponent. After a VAR review, the referee issued a direct red card. Stephens was subsequently suspended for three matches.

Cristian Romero. Cucurella was also a victim in another Premier League incident in 2022, when Romero pulled his hair during a corner kick in a Chelsea versus Tottenham match. However, both the referee and VAR ignored the incident. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, leading to a heated argument between the two coaches, Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte. "The incident was clear. It was a mistake by the referee or VAR," Cucurella said.

Marouane Fellaini. In 2018, during Manchester United's 2-2 Premier League draw against Arsenal at Old Trafford, Fellaini pulled Matteo Guendouzi's hair to prevent a dangerous attack. To the visiting midfielder's surprise, Fellaini was not booked, even though the referee had whistled for a foul. The Manchester United player also escaped further punishment.

Robert Huth. In 2016, Huth pulled Fellaini's hair during a Manchester United match against Leicester City. The visiting midfielder then retaliated by elbowing his opponent in the neck. After the match, the Referees' Council reviewed the incident and banned both players for three matches. "There is no rule that allows someone to pull someone else's hair. Only in sadomasochism is that allowed," said then-Manchester United coach Louis Van Gaal.

By Ngoc Tuan

Photos: *Reuters, Sky Sports, Club*