A FOOTBALLER caught on camera elbowing an opponent in the face in a grim off-the-ball attack has been sentenced after the disturbing clip went viral.
Thomas Taylor, 36, was also handed a 24 week prison sentence, suspended for a year, after admitting assaulting rival player Danny Brookwell.
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The moment Taylor thrashed his opponent with his elbow Credit: Unknown
Tom Taylor’s victim suffered concussion Credit: Brooms Grove Sporting
The incident occurred back in January during a fiery clash between Trearddur Bay FC and CPD Porthmadog in North Wales.
Footage filmed from the sidelines showed the two players standing shoulder to shoulder on the edge of the box seconds before a penalty was taken in the Ardal North West League clash.
The clip – which was widely shared on social media – captured Taylor appearing to thrust his elbow into striker Mr Brookwell’s face.
The Porthmadog winger fell to the floor in the brutal attack, and in the court hearing learnt he suffered concussion in the incident.
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Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court also heard Mr Brookwell was left bleeding from his mouth and nose and suffered numbness in his face after the attack.
The assault happened in the 59th minute after the home side had been awarded a penalty.
The clip quickly spread across social media and racked up hundreds of thousands of views.
In a victim personal statement, he said the incident had left him “in shock” and described it as a “deeply distressing experience”.
He added: “Something I loved and enjoyed for most of my life now brings periods of anxiety and stress, instead of happiness.”
Magistrates were told the pair had known each other for several years before the game.
Taylor’s solicitor said the amateur footballer accepted his behaviour was “inexcusable” and wanted to apologise.
The court heard Taylor claimed he had been abused by Mr Brookwell before lashing out.
His solicitor said: “Whatever threat or abuse was uttered to him didn’t justify what followed.
“He’s been vilified on social media. Threats have been made against him.”
Taylor, of Llanddona, was also ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £85 costs.
Furious fans reacting to the clip on X branded the scenes “absolutely disgusting” and said Taylor should be “banned for life”.
North Wales Police previously confirmed a 35 year old man had been arrested following the incident in January.
Trearddur Bay FC suspended Taylor immediately after the match and said the club “in no way condones the use of unlawful behaviour by its staff or players”.
The bad tempered game eventually ended 3-2 to Porthmadog.
Reports at the time described “long delays, bad fouls and off the ball incidents” during a chaotic second half that saw 12 minutes of added time played.
