Match Day Thread Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Sunderland AFC – Saturday 2nd May 2026 - KO 15:00

[SAFCDRUM]

They showed an example on match of the day of pretty much the exact same challenge in the Arsenal Fulham game but because Gyorkeres has short hair it was only a free kick. No red or yellow. Ballard had one lock of hair as he grabbed the shirt. Nonsense.

 

[Zed]

I don’t think Diarra did himself any favours yesterday in his cameo appearance. Particularly after that shot he had that went for a throw in. Maybe time to give Mayenda a run out.

 

[The Legendary Tongue]

If it’s an offence then anything longer than a number 1 should be tied up. Also if it flicks an opponent in the face, straight red. I’m more angry about it today after hearing everyone bar the referee’s union saying it was a joke decision.

 

[The Legendary Tongue]

I don’t think Diarra did himself any favours yesterday in his cameo appearance. Particularly after that shot he had that went for a throw in. Maybe time to give Mayenda a run out.

You’re right but I think he’s suffered more than the other ‘big’ signings with the stop start season. He had to gel with new team mates then got injured then went to Afcon and the team in general hasn’t been as good (still more than good enough mind) pre Christmas side. I think he’ll be well up for next season.

 

[Robertson]

They showed an example on match of the day of pretty much the exact same challenge in the Arsenal Fulham game but because Gyorkeres has short hair it was only a free kick. No red or yellow. Ballard had one lock of hair as he grabbed the shirt. Nonsense.

It’s the 3 game ban that I’m really angry about as well. Completely over the top and makes it equivalent to an elbow to the face with intent.

I’ve seen some hair pulls where it is deliberate and the red is fair enough there.

 

[Essayyeffcee]

Joe Hart Speaking on BBC Match of the Day 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.”

 

[BishopSAFC]

le bris should be gone after last week we know what is coming next season with these in charge these players not interested or the owners oh and VAR will help relegate us next season cos it has been **** this season and Brobbey is not Darren bent or super Kev will we get £50m for him lol i hope then sign Thiago a proper striker

Can I have what you are on.

 

[OldNewtown]

Seen a few wolves fans it isnt a red and it killed the game.

More worryingly, iv3 seen loads turn on RLB after yday.
Saying his negative tactics costed us 2 points.
Saying he needs to go in the summer, we need to get some more positive and attacking

Yes, because we all know what changing your manager on a regular basis achieved

I think that the club will look to rotate or replace the coaches reporting to RLB. Alex Ferguson was the master at this changed his number two every few years to ensure fresh ideas were brought into the set up. It might also have meant that the players didn't get sick of the same old faces, well apart from his of course

 

[Sol97uk]

Yes, because we all know what changing your manager on a regular basis achieved

I think that the club will look to rotate or replace the coaches reporting to RLB. Alex Ferguson was the master at this changed his number two every few years to ensure fresh ideas were brought into the set up. It might also have meant that the players didn't get sick of the same old faces, well apart from his of course

I would expect a vulcano replacement to come in. We've been a coach down since he left

 

[rowley]

Only a matter of time before a player is caught in the eye and badly injured with one of these wildly swinging locks or pony tails.

I've thought this for ages. Get you hair in a bun. It is a direct threat, it's like a two foot blade whirling around at eye level.

Still thought we were going to win it after their burst blew itself out.

 

[Smug in Boots]

Only a matter of time before a player is caught in the eye and badly injured with one of these wildly swinging locks or pony tails.

I've thought this for ages. Get you hair in a bun. It is a direct threat, it's like a two foot blade whirling around at eye level.

Still thought we were going to win it after their burst blew itself out.

It's beyond idiotic that referees panic if a player has a necklace or even a ring ...

... then ignores dreadlocks and ponytails flailing around.

Whether or not they're dangerous it's clear they're distracting.

Imagine losing the WC Final because you gave a penalty away for Ballard's 'offence'.

It was pathetic and spoiled the day for our supporters and for Wolves imo.

 

[spirit of 73]

Let's take an example from rugby, if your hair is over the collar then a skull cap should be worn. I know they will lose the image they have of running down the wing with their locks flowing in the wind but FFS it's a football match. Both ref and var should get the same ban as bdb. P***ed off. Monty please have your meds checked.

 

[123Daveyboy]

I would expect a vulcano replacement to come in. We've been a coach down since he left

Id like to know the ppg before and after he left.

 

[Sunders53]

RLB, any idea of pushing him out is inane... either that or the person suggesting it is in serious need of medication!

It's bad enough that Ballard got send off (whether merited ot not...) VAR as it is being operated is detrimental to the game.

As well as handballs and offsides being given wrongly... hairpulling (or not) can be added to the list... At the WC covering your mouth with your hand also!

 

[clockstander]

I dont think RLB should be pushed out, far from it, but we needed to counter attack with speed , to avoid being over run, we only had two players available yesterday who have done this with effect in the past, and Diarra is certainly not one of them .

 

[Mart]

RLB, any idea of pushing him out is inane... either that or the person suggesting it is in serious need of medication!

It's bad enough that Ballard got send off (whether merited ot not...) VAR as it is being operated is detrimental to the game.

As well as handballs and offsides being given wrongly... hairpulling (or not) can be added to the list... At the WC covering your mouth with your hand also!

"At the WC covering your mouth with your hand also"???

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[Sunders53]

"At the WC covering your mouth with your hand also"???

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Apparently new law for the World Cup, if you cover your mouth when speaking... you can be red carded... you couldn't make it up!

 

[ab65]

It was a poor decision from VAR/Ref but Ballard gave them the chance to make that poor decision by having hold of the lads hair which in the current climate was stupid on his part.

Just as poor though was our defence and keeper all being rooted when they equalise. Shambolic marking again.

 

[Robertson]

Isidor has looked decent again. It’s not his game to be physical but I’ve noticed him winning a lot more headers. Timing his jumps very well.

More creative players and/or set up and we’ll see more end product from Isidor and others.

 

[Norway]

Anyone with long hair should be forced to wear hairnet and have it tied up. Or a skull cap like rugby. Long hair can be a danger to others! Still don't think Ballard was pulling except a few strand by accident. But when the wolves player went down he screamed "he was pulling my hair." Had he been actively pulling it Ballard would have a bunch of hairs in his hand.....don't think so.