Daniel Ballard became the second defender to be sent off for pulling the hair of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tolu Arokodare in the Premier League this season, as Sunderland squandered a lead in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Everton's Michael Keane received a straight red for the same offence in January, and was a given three-match suspension for violent conduct.
Ballard was holding and pulling a handful of Arokodare's hair as they moved backwards to receive a high ball, until the Nigerian went down, grabbing his head.
Referee Paul Tierney sent off Ballard after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Dan Ballard is shown a straight red card after a VAR review.
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 2, 2026
Sunderland, who had taken the lead through Nordi Mukiele's early strike, were reduced to 10 men in the 24th minute.
Wolves, who are already relegated, ended a three-match goalless run in the 54th minute through Hugo Bueno, securing their first point since March.