Joe Hart questions Dan Ballard’s red card against Wolves as Sunderland defender faces likely three-match ban

Joe Hart has questioned the decision to send off Dan Ballard during Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Wolves, describing the incident as harsh and raising concerns over consistency.

Ballard was dismissed in the first half at Molineux after referee Paul Tierney reviewed an incident on the pitchside monitor and judged that the Sunderland defender had pulled the hair of Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare. The decision left Régis Le Bris’ side to play the majority of the game with 10 men, before eventually conceding an equaliser in the second half.

Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, the former Manchester City and England goalkeeper said: “I completely agree with him (Le Bris) and I sympathise with the Premier League. In the Premier League, we love this physicality. Look at that battle we saw between Gabriel and Haaland, it was unbelievable, it was so physical, it was grabbing and gripping. But let’s start with that one today and try and clear that up.

“This is in the 24th minute, Ballard is a physical defender, Arokodare is a physical striker, and he’s very aware of the rules. But you’re telling me there Dan Ballard is specifically going for his hair? I don’t think he is, I think he’s just looking to get hold of his striker. Arokodare is one of the strongest in the Premier League. That is damning when it comes to the rules; that’s a red card? In the 24th minute of a Premier League game, do you want someone getting sent off for that? For violent conduct? I’ve seen a lot more violent things happen this weekend, and nothing punished for it.”

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris said: “We understand the rule. Paul Tierney is a great referee, but the execution of the rule is hard. It's really hard to digest because I don't think it was an intentional and violent conduct. It was a duel in the air with a tall striker, 1.9 metres plus, 100 kilos more or less. Ballard is massive as well... 20 times in the game [they duel] many things can happen, but it wasn't intentional. If the rule is the rule, probably when you face a striker with long hair, you'll have problems because you can't defend. It was more or less the case. They executed the rule, but I think it's a bit hard to digest.”

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Ballard is likely to miss Sunderland’s final three games of the season following his red card at Wolves. Under current regulations, the offence is expected to be deemed violent conduct, carrying an automatic three-match suspension. A similar incident has already occurred in the Premier League this season, with Everton’s Michael Keane sent off for pulling Tolu Arokodare’s hair in a draw against Wolves. On that occasion, an appeal was lodged but ultimately rejected, reinforcing the strict interpretation of the laws in such cases. As a result, Sunderland face the prospect of being without Ballard for the remainder of the campaign.

Your next Sunderland read: Sunderland end Bradley Lowery Foundation box arrangement amid corporate hospitality changes