Germany team director defends Hendrich for ponytail pull

Germany team director Nia Künzer has defended Kathrin Hendrich for the hair-pulling incident which led to her early red card in the European Championship quarter-final win against France.

The record champions won on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Basel on Saturday after being forced to play with 10 players for almost 120 minutes including stoppage time.

Hendrich, whose offence also led to France's goal from the penalty spot, was penalized on video review for tugging on the ponytail of Griedge Mbock Bathy.

"She was looking in a completely different direction and got her hands caught in her hair. She did not grab her hair intentionally," Künzer told reporters on Sunday.

"We definitely want to emphasize that there was no intent. She was, of course, very disappointed but also relieved that the game ended the way it did."

Many pundits saw the incident very differently to Künzer.

"Pulling hair is like slapping someone," former Switzerland player Kathrin Lehmann said on ZDF. "That's a straight red card. And because it happened in the penalty area, it's also a penalty."

Ex-Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg told Swiss broadcaster SRF: "The rules are clear. Pulling hair, the intensity, the intent: red card. There is no other decision."

The 57-year-old added that Hendrich had experienced a "blackout."

Hendrich's Euro 2025 could be over if UEFA imposes a suspension of more than one match.

As well as Hendrich missing the semi-final against world champions Spain on Wednesday, coach Christian Wück will have to manage without midfielder Sjoeke Nüsken, who is suspended after receiving her second yellow card.

Full back Sarai Linder, who was substituted due to injury, may also be unavailable. Regular captain and right back Giulia Gwinn is out of the tournament with a knee ligament injury.

Gwinn's previous replacement, right back Carlotta Wamser, will be available again after serving her red card suspension from the 4-1 group loss to Sweden.