Ghanian footballer Asamoah Gyan guilty of 'unethical hair'
Former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan has been deemed to have "unethical hair" as per United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAE FA) guidelines. The Ghanian captain sports a mohawk haircut with number '3' shaved into the side of his head, as a tribute to his shirt number during African Nations Cup. Gyan is playing on loan at UAE's Al Ahli, from the Chinese club SIPG.
More players found to have breached 'hairstyle' guidelines
Gyan is among 46 other footballers found to have breached the UAE football association's rules on inappropriate hairstyles.
Why such rules for hair?
Reportedly some Islamic teachings ban 'Qaza' styles of haircut which leave part of the head shaved but other parts unshaven. In UAE, individual football match referees decide whether players' haircuts are appropriate. Some of these referees enforce the rules because they are concerned about children emulating such hairstyles deemed inappropriate. Such guidelines are also applied in some of UAE's neighbouring countries.
How will the UAE FA handle the situation?
In situations of rule violation with regards to inappropriate hair, the UAE Football Association first sends a warning letter with a threat of further action if the player does not comply. In case of non-compliance, punishments can escalate to a fine and then a suspension. Gyan and other 45 players are at the initial warning stage.
Previous instances of 'hair trouble' for footballers in the Gulf
This is not the first time haircuts caused problems for footballers playing in the Gulf region. That seems to include the case of simply having large hair. In 2012, Saudi Arabia goal keeper Waleed Abdullah was asked to chop off his 'Un-Islamic hair' before a match. In another case, Suhail Al-Mansoori of Al Wahda football club, UAE, was told to cut his curly perm.
