Footballer arrested after ‘disgusting’ elbow as club release player | Football | Sport
A Trearddur Bay player has seen backlash online (Image: X)
A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault following an incident during a football match in Wales on Saturday. Trearddur Bay FC have confirmed the release of the player, following calls for a lifetime ban over a ‘disgusting’ elbow incident during their game against CPD Porthmadog.
The player sparked outrage online over the weekend after a video emerged showing him appearing to elbow an opponent before a penalty kick. The clip, shared on X on Saturday evening, led to fans demanding a ban for life for the player responsible for the violent act.
Trearddur Bay initially said on Sunday that Tom Taylor had been suspended, with a further update confirming that a suspended player has been released.
The footage reveals the Trearddur Bay player making contact with the unsuspecting Porthmadog star with an elbow to the face. North Wales Police have confirmed that a man is currently in custody.
In a statement, they said: “North Wales Police are aware of a video circulating online relating to an incident that occurred at a football match between Treaddur Bay FC and Porthmadog FC on Saturday (17 January).
“Officers have been making enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. As part of this investigation a 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault. He remains in police custody at this time.”
Trearddur Bay issued a statement saying: “Following an Extraordinary General Meeting of the clubs committee and completion of the clubs internal processes. Trearddur Bay Football Club provides an update regarding the on field incident vs Porthmadog FC.
“Following an internal review, the decision was taken to release the suspended player involved with immediate effect. Trearddur Bay Football Club does not condone violence in any form and acknowledges that the incident should not have occurred.”
The club offers its sincere apologies to the opposition player involved, CPD Porthmadog, match officials, supporters, and the wider football community. “The club will fully cooperate with any external investigations or disciplinary processes and will make no further comment at this time while these matters are ongoing.”
Trearddur Bay FC confirmed they have suspended the player (Image: Trearddur Bay FC)
Social media was ablaze with outrage, with numerous calls for the player to be handed a lifetime ban and many urging the Welsh FA to intervene.
The video, which has since been shared by Porthmadog, led one user to exclaim: “ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING FROM TREADDUR BAY SHOULD GET BANNED FOR LIFE DISGRACE! ! @CPDPorthmadogFC.”
Others echoed this sentiment, with one stating: “He has just played his last game of football,” while another remarked: “Cowardly act, hope the [other player] is ok.”
A fourth fan commented: “That’s beyond unacceptable. Football has no place for that kind of behaviour.”
The Welsh FA, in response, wrote: “Tier three matches fall under the jurisdiction of the FAW. The FAW is aware of the incident and will be reviewing it.”
Porthmadog, who compete in the Lock Stock Ardal North West League, the third tier of Welsh football, clinched a 3-2 win over Trearddur Bay on Saturday.
Following the match, the club posted on X: “Port forced to keep pushing towards the end of the extended injury time but deserving the victory over the 90.”
