A footballer in Wales, United Kingdom, has been arrested and released by his club after a video surfaced online allegedly showing him elbowing an opponent in the face during a league match, sparking a police investigation.
The footage, recorded on Saturday, January 17, appears to show Trearddur Bay player Tom Taylor targeting a Porthmadog defender moments before a penalty was taken. In the clip, Taylor is seen delivering a forceful elbow to the opponent’s jaw during the Ardal North West League fixture.
The video has since gone viral, attracting more than 10 million views across social media platforms. The incident has drawn widespread criticism, with many viewers calling for Taylor to be banned from football and others demanding legal action.
North Wales Police have confirmed that the incident is under investigation and that Taylor has been arrested in connection with the alleged assault.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, the police said:
“North Wales Police are aware of a video circulating online relating to an incident that occurred at a football match between Trearddur Bay FC and Porthmadog FC on Saturday (17 January).”
The statement added that officers were working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and confirmed that “as part of this investigation, a 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault.”
Police also urged the public not to speculate while enquiries continue and appealed for anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Meanwhile, Trearddur Bay FC moved quickly to address the situation by suspending Taylor with immediate effect. In a statement shared on social media, the club said:
“Trearddur Bay FC wish to confirm that it has suspended Tom Taylor from immediate effect following an incident between TBFC and Porthmadog FC yesterday.”
Investigations by both the police and football authorities are ongoing.
