A footballer has been arrested and released by his club in Wales, UK, after a video emerged showing him allegedly elbowing an opponent in the face during a match, prompting a police investigation.
The footage, captured on Saturday, January 17 appears to show Trearddur Bay player, Tom Taylor targeting a Porthmadog defender before a penalty was taken, delivering a forceful elbow to the opponent’s jaw.
The clip has gone viral, with more than 10 million views online. Many viewers have called for Taylor to be banned — and some have even demanded he be arrested — following the Ardal North West League match in Wales.
North Wales Police confirmed the incident is under investigation and that Taylor has been arrested.
Trearddur Bay Football Club have terminated their contract with a player following an ‘on field incident’ during their game with Porthmadog FC – @NWPolice have arrested the 35 year old man on suspicion of assault & he remains in police custody whilst their enquiries are ongoing! pic.twitter.com/zTdHtSLbmu
— Aaran Lennox (@aaranlennox) January 18, 2026
In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, the force 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 police added that officers were investigating to establish the circumstances, and that “as part of this investigation a 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault. He remains in police custody at this time.”
The statement continued: “Enquiries are ongoing and we would ask members of the public not to speculate whilst the investigation continues. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact police.”
Trearddur Bay FC acted swiftly by suspending Taylor, announcing on social media: “Trearddur Bay FC wish to confirm that it has suspended Tom Taylor from immediate effect following an incident between tbfc and Porthmadog fc yesterday.”
The club added that, because the matter is subject to a police investigation, it would not comment further, but stressed that it “in no way condones the use of unlawful behaviour by its staff or players.”
Following an internal review, Trearddur Bay later confirmed that Taylor had been released from the club.
In an update, the club said: “Following an internal review, the decision was taken to release the suspended player involved with immediate effect.”
The club continued: “Trearddur Bay Football Club does not condone violence in any form and acknowledges that the incident should not have occurred. The club offers its sincere apologies to the opposition player involved, CPD Porthmadog, match officials, supporters, and the wider football community.”
The club also said it would cooperate fully with external investigations and disciplinary processes.
The incident reportedly occurred in the 59th minute of the match. The player who was elbowed, identified by some reports as Danny Brookwell, had been fouled just before the incident.
The Welsh FA said it was aware of the incident and would be reviewing it, adding: “Tier three matches fall under the jurisdiction of the FAW. The FAW is aware of the incident and will be reviewing it.”
