The NWSL has suspended Kansas City Current forward Penelope Hocking one match for standing on an opponent's hair.
Hocking initially escaped punishment for an incident in the 75th minute of the Current's 1-0 defeat to Boston Legacy on Saturday, July 25.
Hocking fouled Legacy midfielder Alba Caño, then stood on her ponytail for several seconds.
Following the game, referee Matthew Corrigan said that he determined the incident to be accidental.
Ref Matthew Corrigan on the Caño/Hocking situation:
— Jackie Contreras (@jackiedigital) July 26, 2026
"The challenge was committed in a careless manner and did not rise to the level of a caution. The step onto the hair was deemed accidental." pic.twitter.com/XXKROIRCs7
But after reviewing the incident, the NWSL Disciplinary Committee came to a different conclusion.
"The Disciplinary Committee determined that the incident rose to the level of a violation of Section 12.4.11, 'Major Game Misconduct,' of the League Operations Manual," the NWSL said in a statement on Tuesday, July 28.
Hocking will be unavailable for the Current's match against Racing Louisville on Wednesday, July 29.
Hocking has played in 10 games for the Current this season, having joined in an offseason trade from Bay FC.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NWSL player Penelope Hocking suspended for stepping on opponent's hair
