Lisandro Martinez's red card for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair during Manchester United's defeat to Leeds United has been confirmed as correct under PGMOL guidelines. The incident occurred 11 minutes into the second half, with VAR recommending the sending-off after referee Paul Tierney reviewed the pitchside monitor.
The PGMOL handbook for the 2025/26 season states that violent conduct includes 'clearly pulling the hair of an opponent with force'. The word 'aggression' is not used in the guidance, contrary to suggestions by Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick, who described the decision as 'shocking'.
PGMOL chief Howard Webb previously clarified the rule in January after Everton's Michael Keane was sent off for a similar offence against Wolves' Tolu Arokodare. Webb explained that hair pulling has been deemed violent conduct for several years, adding: 'Grabbing somebody's hair with force is deemed violent conduct and a player will be sent off.'
Despite the controversy, the red card was consistent with existing regulations. The debate now shifts to whether the rule requires more precise definition, though the outcome of the match—a 2-1 Leeds victory—was not affected by the decision.
