No joke: Rhyan Grant’s mullet gets the all-clear ahead of Asian Cup

Rhyan Grant’s mullet may have walked into a bit of a maelstrom.But Sydney FC’s Socceroos Asian Cup call-up needn’t worry, as his haircut has officially been AFC-approved.

Rhyan Grant rocking the mullet in Australia’s match against Oman on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

Update: Rhyan Grant’s mullet may have walked into a bit of a maelstrom.

But Sydney FC’s Socceroos Asian Cup call-up needn’t worry, as his haircut has officially been AFC-approved.

Unbeknown to Grant, the United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) guidelines ban ‘unusual haircut or colouring’, which first incurs a warning and then a fine and suspension.

In 2017 former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan was one of more than 40 players deemed to have “unethical hair” while playing on loan for Dubai-based side Al Ahli from Shanghai SIPG.

Similar guidelines have been enforced in neighbouring countries, and in 2016 Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah was ordered to snip off his ‘un-Islamic’ do during a domestic match for Al Shabab.

Rhyan Grant rocking the mullet in Australia’s match against Oman on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

Iran has also banned the mullet, ponytail, elaborate spikes and long hair as examples of “decadent Western cuts”.

“I wasn’t aware of that,” Grant said on arrival in Al Ain, where the squad will finalise preparations for Sunday’s tournament-opener against Jordan.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with it to be honest. That’s interesting. I think there’s a few ordinary haircuts going around these days. It’s a bit more acceptable luckily for me, so we’ll see what happens.”

Ghana star Asamoah Gyan’s haircut was deemed ‘unethical’ when he played in the UAE. Picture: Getty Images

Thankfully the Asian Cup is run under Asian Football Confederation regulations, and the Socceroos have had it confirmed thatGrant is be free to flaunt his follicles whenever coach Graham Arnold deems him worthy of minutes.

His most immediate hurdle is more likely to be Josh Risdon, the incumbent World Cup right-back who is likely to be Arnold’s first pick.

“Me and Rizzo get along really well,” he said.

“I think we’re pretty similar, not only players but people. I wouldn’t say bogan, but we’re pretty Aussie and relaxed about it all.

Rhyan Grant enjoys a laugh at Socceroos training. Picture: AAP

“He’s obviously a great player and he’s done very well for the Socceroos over the last couple of years so I’m just really happy to be here and enjoy the experience and really take it all in.”

Grant is, by his own reckoning, lapping up the learning curve after his A-League form on return from a long-term ACL injury sparked a “whirlwind” two months featuring an international debut under his former Sky Blues coach.

Rhyan Grant and Western Sydney Wanderers star Josh Risdon (pictured) will be competing for the Socceroos’ right back spot at the Asian Cup. Picture: Getty Images

The 27-year-old was “pretty stoked” to notch his second cap in Sunday’s 5-0 tune-up win over Oman and is busy adapting to the swifter speed of training and higher expectations.

“You get used to playing a certain way but when you get to a higher level like international football and playing for the Socceroos, you’ve got to be able to utilise all the skills you’ve learned over the years and continue to change and adopt to the different gameplay.

“It’s all just adapting to that, the quickness and the sharpness is the biggest thing.”

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Originally published as No joke: Rhyan Grant’s mullet gets the all-clear ahead of Asian Cup