Footballer banned for five years after shocking attack on opponent, following a suspended prison sentence
A part-time football player has been hit with a five-year ban for a shocking attack on an opponent back in January.
The match between Trearddur Bay and Porthmadog FC in the Ardal North West league grabbed attention after a video showed Thomas Taylor elbowing a player right in the face. The blow to Porthmadog’s Daniel Brookwell happened during a penalty kick and caused a lot of discussion online.
Brookwell was knocked out cold from the nasty hit. Even though Taylor didn’t get a red card during the game, his own club suspended him. The police looked into the incident, and Taylor was given a five-and-a-half-month suspended jail sentence after admitting to assault causing actual harm.
On top of that, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) also took action. After the court case finished, a disciplinary panel found Taylor guilty of violent conduct. With all the evidence reviewed, they banned him for at least five years. Taylor also has to pay a fine and cover extra costs, as well as the £439 from the court case that included £200 compensation for Brookwell.
**Warning:** This story has video footage that some people might find upsetting.
The ban starts from January 22, 2026, which means Taylor won’t be able to play until January 2031. He can still appeal the decision but must do so by Friday, June 12.
The FAW said: “After carefully looking at the evidence, the Disciplinary Panel decided Thomas Taylor’s charge was proved. He is now banned from all football activities for five years starting January 22, 2026, with no chance of review during that time. Taylor is also fined and must pay costs. Any appeal must be made by 5:00 pm on June 12, 2026.”
Trearddur Bay released Taylor after the attack, and he currently doesn’t play for any team. Taylor mentioned that his diabetes, low blood sugar, and things said by Brookwell contributed to his actions.
Brookwell suffered bleeding from his mouth and nose. In a victim statement, he shared how the attack affected him emotionally.
He said: “Getting knocked unconscious during a football match was very upsetting. It’s been hard to enjoy football like before. The incident took away the confidence and fun I once had in the game. Something I loved now causes me stress and anxiety instead of happiness.”