Police arrest man after stunning second teenage linesman is attacked
A man has been arrested after a linesman was punchedat a Welsh amateur football match in April.
Footage caught the moment a young player, who had volunteered to operate as the linesman in the game, appeared to be punched in the face by a staff member from a rival football team in North Wales.
The North Wales Coast Football Association match at Amlwch Town saw Clwb Pêl-Droed Penrhyndeudraeth put eight past the hosts in a hugely one-sided affair, however things turned sour soon after the whistle first blew.
With the volunteer linesman walking up and down the touchline, a figure from the Amlwch staff appeared to strike the player after just 15 minutes of action.
It is not clear whether anything is said between the two, before the Amlwch figure steps up and aims a blow at the linesman’s chin, sending him to the ground, and now a 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Footage shows the linesman and Amlwch staff figure crossing paths on the touchline in the first half
The Amlwch staff figure then punches the volunteering linesman in the face sending him to the ground
Mail Sport has launched a campaign to stop the abuse of referees to help boost the game
North Wales Police have said the man had been bailed, although inquiries were ongoing, reports the BBC.
The video footage showed the linesman gets back to his feet as the staff member returns to their bench, before Penrhyn boss Riccardo Pellegrino comes over and helps his player up to his feet.
The rest of the Penrhyn squad then come running over to the scene, but Pellegrino prevents any conflict by ushering them away, though the team remain in close proximity.
One of Pellegrino’s assistants appears to then talk to the figure that aimed the punch in a bid to calm him down, while other players from the home bench then walk over.
The shocking attack has been reported to North Wales Police, as reported by both the NWCFA and Penrhyn.
The club’s statement read: ‘A fantastic result and performance from the lads today.
‘Unfortunately, the game was marred by an incident which occurred approximately 15 minutes into the game when a Penrhyn player, acting as a voluntary linesman, was assaulted.
‘The Club will not be making any further comments but will support the player as the matter has been reported to the police.’
The NWCFA added: ‘The North Wales Coast Football Association (NWCFA) are aware of a video circulating on social media in relation to an incident at Amlwch Town FC. This incident is currently being investigated by the police, which the NWCFA has requested details.
‘Whilst this is an ongoing investigation, we would urge people not to share the video or comment as this could impact any investigation.
‘The incident will be investigated accordingly on conclusion of the police investigation.’
Penrhyn would go on to win the game 8-0 in a dominant showing in the amateur clash.
Cai Henshaw netted four in the hefty win, while Tom Hughes netted twice and Deio Hughes and Gwion Davis got the other two.
Pellegrino added on Facebook after the incident: ‘Your behavior on the pitch after what happened was impeccable, I’m proud to coach this fantastic group of lads.
‘I’m proud all of you COYC.’
The Wales FA CEO confirmed on social media that they are aware of the incident and have condemned the attack.
Players from Penryhn then rush to the scene before visiting manager Riccardo Pellegrino ushers them away
North Wales Police said: ‘We can confirm that we are currently investigating an assault which occurred at Amlwch Town FC’s grounds on Saturday, April 27th.
‘We can also confirm that we are aware of the footage which is being circulated on social media and ask that people do not share to avoid potentially prejudicing any legal proceedings.
‘Police enquiries continue and we are urging anybody who may have mobile phone footage showing the incident to contact us as soon as possible quoting reference number 24000385680.’
Amlwch Town have been approached for comment.
