Tadulala faces hearing for hair pulling

Semi Tadulala © Gallo Images

Fijian rugby league international Semi Tadulala could be banned for four matches after being cited for pulling an opponent's hair.

Tadulala, who plays for English Superleague club Bradford Bulls, faces a disciplinary hearing later on Tuesday after he was penalised for tugging at the flowing blond locks of Huddersfield forward Eorl Crabtree on Sunday. Crabtree is the nephew of late wrestler Shirley, who was known as "Big Daddy".

Tadulala has been charged with "behaving in a manner contrary to the true spirit of the game". "If found guilty of the grade C offence at the hearing, he faces a suspension of up to four matches," the Rugby Football League said.

Hair pulling is not unknown in the world of sport. Former World Footballer of the Year Ronaldo was given a one-match ban in May for pulling an opponent's hair while playing for Corinthians in a Brazilian championship match.

England striker Peter Crouch was also caught hair tugging during the 2006 World Cup, grabbing hold of Trinidad and Tobago defender Brent Sancho's dreadlocks before climbing to score a header. Crouch escaped punishment.

Read more on the latest rugby news page.

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