Hair pulling ought not to be tolerated – FA panelImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, After serving his three-match ban, Lisandro Martinez (right) could return for Manchester United on 9 May against SunderlandByLorraine McKennaBBC Sport journalistPublished47 minutes agoA Football Association disciplinary panel has mentioned hair pulling “ought not to be tolerated” in its reasons for upholding a three-game ban for Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez.The independent regulatory commission rejected the club’s appeal against the punishment and sending off, for pulling the hair of Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin during a game.Martinez, 28, was given a straight red card for violent conduct during the 2-1 defeat by Leeds at Old Trafford, after referee Paul Tierney was instructed to review the incident on the pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR).
In a written report, the panel mentioned it accepted other forms of violent conduct “carry a much higher risk of harm to an opponent”.
But it stressed: “In the wider interests of football ‘hair pulling’ ought not to be tolerated and should be discouraged through consistent punishment.”
United manager Michael Carrick called the decision earlier this month “one of the worst” he has seen.
