Footballer given five-year ban for sickening assault on opponent after suspended prison sentence

An amateur footballer has been given a five-year suspension for a shocking assault on an opponent back in January.

The game between Trearddur Bay and Porthmadog FC in the Ardal North West league hit headlines after a video surfaced showing Thomas Taylor elbowing an opposition player straight in the face.

The vicious strike on Porthmadog's Daniel Brookwell appeared to occur when a penalty kick was being taken and was subject to huge conversation online.

Brookwell was knocked unconscious following the sickening attack, with Taylor avoiding a red card but being suspended by his club.

Police then investigated the incident and Taylor was handed a five-and-a-half-month suspended jail sentence, having pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

However, the 36-year-old has also been punished by the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

With the court case completed, a disciplinary panel decided to administer a violent conduct charge and after written evidence was submitted, banned Taylor for a minimum of five years.

He is also required to pay a fine and additional costs on top of the £439 following the court case - which included a fee of £200 compensation for Brookwell.

WARNING: This article contains video footage that some may find distressing.

The suspension is dated from the 22 January 2026, meaning it will be in place until January 2031.

Taylor does still have the option to appeal the verdict but has until Friday 12 June to do so.

A statement from the FAW said: "After carefully considering the written evidence submitted, the Disciplinary Panel decided that the charge against Thomas Taylor was proven.

As a result, Thomas Taylor is subject to a Sine Die suspension from all football related activity with no review to be considered under a period of five years. The period of 5 years commences as and from 22 January 2026.

"The Disciplinary Panel also decided that Thomas Taylor be fined and ordered to pay costs.

An appeal against the Disciplinary Panel’s decision can be submitted by no later than 5:00pm on Friday, 12 June 2026. "

Trearddur Bay moved to release Taylor after the incident and he is currently without a club.

The former Shrewsbury Town player said that his diabetes, low blood sugar levels and remarks from Brookwell contributed to his assault.

Brookwell had blood pouring from his mouth and nose afterwards and in a victim statement, opened up on the impact that the actions had on him.

He explained: "Being knocked unconscious during a football match was deeply distressing.

“I found it very difficult to return to football in the same way. The incident has taken away the confidence and enjoyment I once had playing the game.

“Something I loved and enjoyed for most of my life now brings periods of anxiety and stress, instead of happiness.”