Taylor banned from football for at least five years after on-field assault

A North Wales footballer who knocked an opponent unconscious during a match has been banned from all football activities for at least five years.

A Disciplinary Panel of the Football Association of Wales recently met to consider a charge against Thomas Taylor following an allegation that he committed an act of violent conduct upon an opposition player whilst playing for Trearddur Bay at Porthmadog in the Ardal North West League on 17 January 2026.

The charge against Taylor was brought pursuant to paragraph 6(j)(ii) of the Disciplinary Procedures Concerning Field Offences as set out under FAW Rule 38.1.9.

After carefully considering the written evidence submitted, the Disciplinary Panel decided that the charge against Taylor was proven.

As a result, 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 period of 5 years commences as and from 22 January 2026.

The Disciplinary Panel also decided that Taylor be fined and ordered to pay costs.

An appeal against the Disciplinary Panel’s decision can be submitted by no later than 5:00pm on Friday, 12 June 2026.

Taylor has already been dealt with in a criminal court, narrowly avoiding a prison sentence.

Last month, the 36-year-old, of Llanddona, Beaumaris, Anglesey, pleaded guilty to assaulting Daniel Brookwell, causing actual bodily harm during the January 17 match at Porthmadog.

Appearing before Caernarfon magistrates, Taylor received a 24 weeks jail term which was suspended for a year. He must pay £200 compensation, a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.

The assault occurred as the players stood waiting for a penalty to be taken and was captured by a spectator in footage that went viral. Taylor was seen knocking Mr Brookwell unconscious with a swinging elbow.

Taylor was released by Trearddur Bay the following day.