Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez to Face Three-Match Ban for Hair Pulling Incident

April 14, 2026 AI

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is set to face a three-match ban after he was charged with violent conduct following an incident involving Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin in a recent Premier League match. The case has sparked debate over the severity of football’s punishments for hair pulling, a common yet contentious issue in the sport.

A Premier League official confirmed that Martinez faces a ban, citing the severity of the offense. The defender’s action, which occurred in a match against Everton on March 18, 2023, resulted in Calvert-Lewin’s hair being pulled, causing discomfort and possible pain. Martinez’s defense was not immediately available for comment.

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Rules governing football conduct vary across jurisdictions, with some leagues imposing stricter penalties than others. England’s Premier League uses a point-based disciplinary system to determine sanctions for players. Violent conduct typically carries a one- to three-match ban, depending on the player’s past offenses.

The case raises questions about the fairness of punishments for specific types of incidents in football. Some argue that hair pulling is not a malicious act, while others see it as a form of violent conduct that warrants a heavier penalty. Martinez’s ban will be reviewed by an independent panel before a final decision is made.

Lisandro Martinez’s incident with Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the latest in a string of high-profile hair-pulling incidents in football. Other notable cases have sparked controversy, leading fans and pundits to call for clarity on the sport’s conduct rules.

A ban would be Lisandro Martinez’s second of the season. The Argentine defender was given a one-match suspension in early January after being charged with a red card in a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more updates.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more updates.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more updates.

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