Ballard sees red for hair pull as Wolves and Sunderland share 1-1 draw

Daniel Ballard was sent off for pulling the hair of Tolu Arokodare as Sunderland were held to a 1-1 draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

The dismissal made Ballard the second defender this Premier League season to be shown a red card for a similar offence, after Michael Keane was sent off for Everton in January and later handed a three-match ban for violent conduct.

The incident occurred in the first half as Ballard grappled with Arokodare while tracking a high ball, appearing to grab and pull the striker’s hair before the Nigerian forward went to ground clutching his head. Referee Paul Tierney reviewed the challenge on the pitchside monitor before issuing a straight red card.

Despite taking an early lead through Nordi Mukiele, Sunderland were reduced to 10 men in the 24th minute. Wolves, already relegated, capitalised in the second half, with Hugo Bueno equalising in the 54th minute.

The goal ended Wolves’ three-match scoring drought and secured their first point since March, while Sunderland were left to rue missed chances after letting their advantage slip.