Footballer arrested in Wales on suspicion of assault after viral video

A footballer who went viral on social media after elbowing an opponent in the head during a Welsh non-league game has been arrested on suspicion of assault.

After their match against Porthmadog FC on Saturday, a video circulated on social media showing a Treaddur Bay player forcefully elbowing an opposition member in the chin in a break in play. The players had not been touching and the Porthmadog player collapsed to the ground after the blow.

The clubs play in the third tier of Welsh football, containing clubs with amateur and semi-professional status.

North Wales Police (NWP) later confirmed on Sunday they had opened an investigation and had arrested a 35-year-old man in connection with the incident. He will remain in police custody while the enquiries continue.

Treaddur Bay followed with a statement after an “extraordinary general meeting” saying they have made a decision to “release the suspended player involved with immediate effect”. The club apologised to the opposition player involved and the wider football community, saying they do “not condone violence in any form” and the incident “should not have occurred”.

The full NWP statement read: “North Wales Police are aware of a video circulating online relating to an incident that occurred at a football match between Treaddur Bay FC and Porthmadog FC on Saturday (17 January).

“Officers have been making enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. 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.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we would ask members of the public not to speculate whilst the investigation continues.”

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