Kathrin Hendrich (back right) pulls her opponent's hair. © ANSA / GEORGIOS KEFALAS

Pulled by the braid: This red card moves the football world

Kathrin Hendrich put her hands over her face and shook her head repeatedly. The German central defender slunk off the pitch in shock after receiving her red card in the 13th minute, which was entirely justified.

July 20, 2025

From: dpa/det

The German national soccer player had pulled France captain Griedge Mbock Bathy's hair, and video evidence exposed the assault. Despite reaching the semifinals, the European Championship could be over for the 33-year-old.

The red card hurts deeply, said Germany coach Christian Wück at the press conference after the thrilling 6-5 penalty shootout victory in Basel, without elaborating on possible reasons for Hendrich's lapse. "I don't want to comment on that," the 52-year-old had previously told ZDF.

Like a slap in the face

"Pulling hair is like giving someone a slap," football expert Kathrin Lehmann explained on ZDF. "That's a straight red card. And because it was in the box, it's also a penalty." Grace Geyoro converted the penalty to make it 1-0, and Sjoeke Nüsken later equalized with a header.

After the red card, Kathrin Hendrich was devastated. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

Former national coach Martina-Voss-Tecklenburg shared Lehmann's opinion. "The rule says so. Hair pulling, the intensity, intentional: red card. There is no other decision," the 57-year-old told the Swiss broadcaster SRFHendrich had a “blackout.”

Publicly, no one on the German team wanted to blame the experienced Hendrich. "She was emotional, of course, but simply happy, overjoyed, and grateful that we won the game," said striker Giovanna Hoffmann after the final whistle. "I think the worst thing for her today was sitting in the locker room the whole time and just being able to watch."

Suspended in the semi-final against Spain

For Wednesday's semifinal against Spain in Zurich (21:00 p.m.), coach Wück will be without Hendrich, midfielder Sjoeke Nüsken (second yellow card), and possibly full-back Sarai Linder, who was substituted by injury. Regular captain Giulia Gwinn (median ligament injury) is also out.

However, Gwinn's nominal replacement, right-back Carlotta Wamser, is fit to play again. The 21-year-old was sent off for handball on the goal line in the 1-4 Sweden match and therefore missed the game against France.