Lifetime ban for former football manager who punched a linesman

A former football manager who punched a volunteer linesman during a match in North Wales has received a lifetime ban from his area association.

The North Wales Coast Football Association today announced its verdict on the case of ex-Amlwch Town boss Robert Williams-Jones, who committed the assault in April 2024 during the Ynys Môn team’s 8-0 home defeat to Penrhyndeudraeth.

Williams-Jones, 43, had already been handed a suspended prison sentence for the offence when he appeared before Caernarfon Magistrates in January.

Pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm during the North Wales Coast West Premier League match, Williams-Jones,  of Llaneilian, near Amlwch, was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 in compensation.

Shortly after the match, Amlwch Town confirmed it had cut ties with Williams-Jones, apologising to both Penrhyndeudraeth and the linesman.

Today, the NWCFA, who did not name Williams-Jones, but whose case had received widespread coverage in local, regional and national media, released the following statement:

“The North Wales Coast Football Association (NWCFA) can confirm that a NWCFA Disciplinary Panel recently considered a case involving an assault on a match official, which occurred in a match between Amlwch Town FC and CPD Penrhyndeudraeth on Saturday 27th April 2024.

“The matter had considerable media attention, but was only able to be considered after the police had concluded their case.

“The NWCFA Disciplinary Panel imposed a lifetime suspension on the individual responsible, as well as imposing a £3,000.00 fine and £50.00 order for costs. Amlwch Town FC were given a £2,500.00 fine, with £2,000.00 of that suspended for 12 months.

“The message from the NWCFA Disciplinary Panel is clear: there is no place for aggression or assault in football within this area association. The NWCFA will continue to take robust action on any instances of abuse.

“This matter is now closed, and the NWCFA will not be making any further comment.”

Williams-Jones has the right to appeal against the NWCFA’s decision. If an appeal is lodged, it would be heard by the Football Association of Wales.

The FAW confirmed it has requested details of the case, but could not comment until it hears whether Williams-Jones will appeal against the NWCFA decision.