Former Liverpool defender Joey Jones has revealed that an accidental punch on manager Bob Paisley effectively ended his Anfield career. The incident occurred during an FA Cup tie against Chelsea in January 1978, when Jones, struggling to put on a tracksuit after being substituted, inadvertently struck Paisley in the face.
Jones, who died in July 2024 at age 70, recalled the moment in a past interview: 'I couldn't get my head through the neck of the tracksuit. As I struggled, my hand went through the sleeve and I felt my fist hit somebody's flesh. When I looked up, the boss was rubbing his face.' He added, 'I don't know if it was the punch or playing poorly that sealed my fate, but I never played for Liverpool again after that.'
The Welsh international had been a key figure in Liverpool's success, winning two First Division titles, two European Cups and a UEFA Cup. However, after the Chelsea match, he was sidelined as Paisley favoured players like Alan Hansen and Tommy Smith. Jones left Liverpool the following season, returning to former club Wrexham in a record £210,000 transfer.
Jones also recalled another altercation that may have contributed to his departure: a brawl with teammate Ray Kennedy after accidentally stepping on his foot. Paisley reportedly told both players they could leave the club, but Jones was the one who departed.
After Wrexham, Jones played for Chelsea, Huddersfield Town, and finally returned to Wrexham, where he retired in 1992. He earned 72 caps for Wales and remained a beloved figure at both Liverpool and Wrexham.
