“Semenyo Claims Hair Pull Ignored as VAR Backs No Red Card in City Victory”

 

“Semenyo Claims Hair Pull Ignored as VAR Backs No Red Card in City Victory”

'I'm not sure it's appropriate': Michael Owen astonished by VAR response to hair pull in Premier League game

VAR review: Liverpool right about missed red card? Man City penalty fair?

Here’s a simple breakdown of the hair-pull drama in the Premier League everyone is talking about:

⚽ What happened

During Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Fulham, City forward Antoine Semenyo appeared to have his hair pulled inside the penalty area by Fulham defender Kenny Tete. 

The referee paused play for a VAR review, but officials decided there wasn’t clear evidence of violent conduct, so no red card or penalty was given. 

🗣️ Reactions from players & pundits

Semenyo said he felt the pull and told the referee, who replied that “it wasn’t enough” to punish. 

Former goalkeeper Joe Hart and pundits argued that pulling hair should be a red card “by the letter of the law,” saying Tete was lucky to escape punishment. 

⚖️ Why it’s controversial

A similar hair-pull incident earlier in January saw Everton defender Michael Keane sent off and banned, highlighting inconsistency in VAR decisions. 

The match itself still ended comfortably for City, who dominated Fulham and kept pressure on league leaders Arsenal. 

🌐 Fan reaction (online discussion)

“Absolute shite… VAR spotted it & checked it… the inconsistency is disgraceful.”

Fans on Reddit complained the decision showed uneven refereeing standards and frustration with VAR. 

In short:

Many people believe the hair pull should have been a red card, especially because similar actions were punished earlier this season. But VAR ruled there was not enough clear evidence, making it one of the latest controversial decisions in the Premier League.