Five-year football ban for elbow assault player

A footballer who knocked out an opponent during a match has been suspended from the sport for a minimum of five years by the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

Thomas Taylor struck Daniel Brookwell with his elbow during an Ardal North West league match between Porthmadog FC and Trearddur Bay on 17 January.

Taylor, 36, from Llanddona, Anglesey, was handed a five-and-a-half-month suspended jail sentence after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

His sentence was suspended for 12 months and he was fined £439, including £200 compensation for Brookwell.

Following conclusion of the court case, an FAW disciplinary panel met to consider a charge of violent conduct against Taylor.

After written evidence was submitted, the panel found the charge was proven and issued a ban, starting from the date of the incident on 22 January 2026, as well as imposing a fine and order to pay costs.

“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 FAW said in a statement.

Taylor has until Friday, 12 June to appeal against the decision.