adminSunderland rocked by suspension blow as Premier League release statement on red card shown in Wolves clash
Sunderland have seen a key player ruled out for the the rest of the Premier League campaign
Dan Ballard has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign after been shown a red card in the first half of Sunderland’s Premier League clash with Wolves.
Ballard was shown a red card for a violent conduct after a VAR review, with referee Paul Tierney ruling after consulting the monitor that the defender ‘clearly’ pulled the hair of Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare. The officials initially did not spot the incident, but VAR intervened when the ball ran out of play for a throw in shortly afterwards.
Violent conduct carries an automatic three-match suspension which means that Ballard will miss the rest of the Premier League season unless the club opts to appeal and are successful.
The Premier League match centre have issued the following statement: “After VAR review, the referee issued a red card to Ballard for violent conduct. Referee announcement: “After review, Sunderland 5 clearly pulls the hair of the Wolves player. Final decision is red card, violent conduct.”
Régis Le Bris will therefore be without Ballard for three tough final fixtures against Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea. The Sunderland head coach has the option of moving Nordi Mukiele infield and playing Trai Hume or Lutsharel Geertruida at right back, or recalling Luke O’Nien at the heart of defence.
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