Hair-pulling red cards in soccer: VAR crackdown sparks debate across men’s and women’s game

A spate of high-profile hair-pulling incidents across men’s and women’s soccer has thrust violent conduct protocols into the spotlight, with video review increasingly catching off-the-ball aggression that referees miss in real time.

The issue gained fresh attention after a fabricated match report circulated online claiming Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior was sent off for pulling an opponent’s hair during a La Liga fixture against Villarreal. The fake account — which also misidentified the manager as José Mourinho and listed Trent Alexander-Arnold as a Madrid player — underscored how quickly misinformation spreads when real disciplinary trends make such scenarios plausible.

In reality, Vinícius has faced disciplinary scrutiny before. The Brazilian winger served a two-match La Liga ban in 2023 for striking an opponent, and his confrontations with opponents have drawn repeated VAR reviews. But hair-pulling specifically has become a distinct flashpoint globally.

Last month, Spain forward Athenea del Castillo received a straight red card in a friendly against the United States for pulling the hair of U.S. forward Michelle Cooper. Days earlier, Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith was suspended an additional match after grabbing the hair of Boston Legacy FC’s Laís Araújo during an NWSL match. Both incidents were caught on broadcast cameras and confirmed via VAR.

FIFA’s Laws of the Game classify hair-pulling as violent conduct, warranting an automatic red card. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) clarified in 2022 that such acts fall under “excessive force or brutality” regardless of whether the pull brings an opponent down. VAR protocols now mandate review for any suspected hair-pulling, even if play continues.

“We’re seeing more of these because cameras catch everything,” said Christina Unkel, a former FIFA referee and current CBS Sports rules analyst. “Ten years ago, a quick tug off-ball went unseen. Now it’s a red card every time.”

The NWSL has led enforcement consistency. Since 2022, the league has issued six red cards for hair-pulling, all upheld on appeal. MLS has recorded three in the same span. European leagues vary: La Liga and the Premier League each average two to three per season, while the Bundesliga has seen fewer, partly due to stricter pre-match briefings.

Players’ unions have pushed for graduated sanctions. FIFPRO argues that a first-time hair-pull should carry a one-match ban rather than the standard three, distinguishing impulse from malice. FIFA’s disciplinary committee rejected that proposal in March, citing the need for deterrence.

Coaches have adjusted. Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti now includes “hands off heads” reminders in pre-match talks. U.S. women’s coach Emma Hayes tells forwards to keep hair tied back — not for style, but to deny opponents a handle.

The next test comes this weekend, when VAR officials in Spain, England, and the U.S. will scrutinize every off-ball tussle. Leagues have warned broadcasters to avoid slow-motion replays that exaggerate force, a practice that fueled controversy after del Castillo’s dismissal.