The Premier League is changing how referees handle hair pulling in matches for the 2026/27 season. Multiple outlets report that after three players were sent off last season for pulling an opponent’s hair, the league has revised its approach and issued new guidance to officials. Under the updated emphasis, hair pulling is no longer treated as an automatic sending-off offence. Instead, referees are expected to use yellow cards in many cases, with the decision influenced by factors such as whether the act is deliberate and the level of force involved. One report says deliberate hair pulling without excessive force will be punished with a yellow card. The Premier League’s guidance is also framed as part of a wider review of physical contact, including set-piece grappling, with referees told to adjust how they assess the offence. The rule change is set to be applied during the 2026/27 season following the publication of new football principles and points of emphasis for match officials.