Match Day Thread Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Sunderland AFC – Saturday 2nd May 2026 - KO 15:00
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J
We'll probably get an increased ban for having the audacity to appeal then
Well worth an appeal I'd say, I think we've been successful with them lately.
Red card will stand but hopefully reduced to one match ban.
Isn't it a set 3 game ban....no way are they gonna bend the rules in our favour.
Only way is for them to retract the red card...I'm not holding my breath.
With the hair pull, to me, it was more that Arokodare felt some hair getting trapped then threw himself forward. This made it look on a photo as if Ballard had yanked it when he hadn't. Plus the photos of Ballard's focus, looking past the player, towards the ball.
The Echo report reckons:
"The FA will now consider the appeal and a panel will decide whether or not to uphold or overturn the original decision. They have the option to uphold the decision but reduce Ballard's ban if they feel the punishment is excessive and the act does not warrant a three-game ban, or extend it if they feel the appeal is frivolous."
It's news to me as well (about being able to reduce the ban) but fingers crossed for Ballard and us.
Ballard pulls Arokodare‘s hair but he falls forward 
If you’re getting your hair pulled you’d fall backwards.
If you’re getting your hair pulled you’d fall backwards.
Should it be a red regardless of it being violent conduct. For me this is the problem. He didn't even grab just hair!
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Régis Le Bris has explained his decision to move Enzo Le Fée into a central role and restore Chemsdine Talbi to Sunderland’s starting XI following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Wolves.
The Black Cats mathematically secured their place in the 2026–27 Premier League with a point at Molineux.
Nordi Mukiele headed the Lads in front after 17 minutes, but Sunderland were reduced to 10 men when Dan Ballard was sent off for pulling Tolu Arokodare’s hair.
The hosts levelled on 54 minutes through Santiago Bueno, though the Black Cats continued to push for a winner, with Talbi’s pace and Le Fée’s wizardry a thorn in Wolves’ side throughout.
Speaking post-match, Le Bris outlined his thinking behind the tactical reshuffle and selection decisions, highlighting both Le Fée’s central role and Talbi’s continued development.
“We know that Enzo’s best position is probably in the central corridor because he can move and he has more freedom to move with or without the ball,” he said.
“He will be well connected with Granit (Xhaka) and Noah (Sadiki), and after a big defeat (against Nottingham Forest) it was important to change the dynamic.”
He continued: “Chemdine (Talbi) is still a really young winger in the Premier League. He still needs experience and maturity to become consistent in the Premier League, which is still normal in his pathway.
“After that, the manager always needs to manage the squad, with only eleven players able to start and only five substitutes during the game, according to the scenario.
“Chems is doing well. He has shown good elements but also much to develop.
“I like his behaviour because even when he isn’t in the team, he always trains properly, which is the most important thing for me.
“And then when he gets his opportunity - either on the left side or the right - he has done well and he was good against Wolves.”
