Footballer is arrested after ‘brutally elbowing opponent in the face’ as his club release him and police appeal for information
A football player who was caught on camera elbowing his opponent was arrested and released by his club, while the police launched an investigation.
Video taken on Saturday shows Trearddur Bay player Tom Taylor targeting an unsuspecting Porthmadog player before taking the penalty and delivering a brutal elbow to his opponent’s jaw.
More than 10 million people watched the original video online, which called for Taylor to be banned and some arrested following the Ardal North West League match in Wales.
North Wales Police confirmed the matter was investigated and Taylor was arrested.
Posted on Facebook on Sunday: ‘North Wales Police are aware of a video circulating online relating to an incident at a football match between Treaddur Bay FC and Porthmadog FC on Saturday 17 January.
‘Officers are investigating to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. As part of the investigation, a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault. He currently remains in police custody.
Trearddur Bay player Tom Taylor was arrested for elbowing a player during a match
North Wales Police appealed for information and said Taylor remains in custody
‘Investigations are ongoing and we ask the public not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police.’
Trearddur Bay moved quickly to remove Taylor and posted the following on social media on Sunday: ‘Trearddur Bay FC would like to confirm that they have suspended Tom Taylor with immediate effect following the incident between TBFC and Porthmadog FC yesterday.
‘The club will not be commenting further at this stage as the matter is subject to a police investigation, however the club will in no way condone any illegal behavior by its staff or players.’
They later announced his release and added: ‘Following the Extraordinary General Meeting of the club committee and the completion of the club’s internal processes. Trearddur Bay Football Club is updating Porthmadog FC on the on-field incident.
‘Following an internal review, it was decided to release the suspended player with immediate effect.
‘Trearddur Bay Football Club does not condone violence in any form and accepts that the incident should not have occurred.
‘The club offers its sincere apologies to the opposing player involved, CPD Porthmadog, match officials, fans and the wider football community.
‘The club will fully cooperate with any external investigation or disciplinary process and will have no further comment at this time while these matters are ongoing.’
Fans expressed their anger on social media over the incident, which was captured on video
It was stated that the incident occurred in the 59th minute of the match, when Danny Brookwell, the player who received an elbow blow, committed a foul.
The Football Association of Wales said: ‘Third tier matches fall under the jurisdiction of the FAW. ‘FAW is aware of the incident and will investigate it.’
Fans on social media were outraged, with one user who shared the original video writing: ‘ ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING FROM TREADDUR MR.’ TOM TAYLOR SHOULD BE BANNED DUE TO LIFETIME DISORDER!!!’
Another fan replied: ‘He should be jailed for this.’
A third wrote: ‘What a little mouse! @FcTrearddur you’re paying £3k a week for this! Disgusting and inappropriate despicable behavior’, accompanied by an angry face emoji.
