A former professional footballer has been handed a suspended prison sentence after a viral video showed him elbowing an opponent during a match in Wales. Thomas Taylor, 36, of Llanddona, Beaumaris, Anglesey, pleaded guilty to assaulting Daniel Brookwell causing actual bodily harm.
The incident occurred on January 17 during a match between Porthmadog and Trearddur Bay at Porthmadog, Gwynedd. The footage of the elbow went viral on X, with many users calling for action and labelling the incident 'disgusting'.
Prosecutor Diane Williams told Caernarfon Magistrates' Court that Mr Brookwell had been playing for Porthmadog and was waiting shoulder-to-shoulder with Taylor for a penalty to be taken. Mr Brookwell said he suddenly hit the floor and did not realise he was on the floor until after a few seconds. Blood came from his mouth and nose, and he was in shock.
The court heard Mr Brookwell felt dizzy after coming off the pitch. In a statement, he said: 'I was quite shocked. I don’t understand what caused this. Being knocked unconscious during a football match was deeply distressing.' He added that the incident had taken away his confidence and enjoyment of football.
Defence solicitor Glyn Roberts claimed Taylor had been provoked by the victim, who allegedly said 'I will break your f-ing legs, you m---'. Roberts said Taylor accepted his conduct was 'inexcusable' and wished to apologise. Taylor, a former Shrewsbury Town professional, had diabetes and believed his blood-sugar level and provocation may have affected him.
Court chairman Gwilym Morgan said the offence had crossed the custody threshold. Taylor received a 24-week jail term suspended for a year, and must pay £200 compensation, a £154 surcharge, and £85 costs. Trearddur Bay FC had previously released the player with immediate effect, stating they do not condone violence.
