Police arrest man, 43, after shocking moment teenage linesman is ‘GROVED to the ground by staff member’ in sudden mid-match attack

A man was arrested after a linesman was punched during a Welsh amateur football match in April.

Footage captured the moment a young player, who had volunteered to act as a linesman in the match, appeared to be punched in the face by a member of staff from a rival football team in the North Wales.

The North Wales Coast Football Association match at Amlwch Town saw Clwb Pêl-Droed Penrhyndeudraeth put eight ahead of the hosts in an extremely one-sided affair, but things went wrong shortly after the first whistle.

As the volunteer linesman walked the touchline, a silhouette of Amlwch staff appeared to punch the player after just 15 minutes of action.

It’s unclear if anything was said between the two, before Amlwch’s character intervened and aimed for the linesman’s chin, sending him to the ground, and now a 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident. .

The Amlwch staff member then punches the volunteer linesman in the face, sending him to the ground.

Mail Sport has launched a campaign to end abuse of referees to help boost the game.

North Wales Police said the man had been released on bail, although investigations were ongoing, the BBC reports.

The video footage shows the linesman getting back to his feet as the staff member returns to his bench, before Penrhyn boss Riccardo Pellegrino comes over and helps his player up.

The rest of the Penrhyn team then comes running to the scene, but Pellegrino prevents any conflict by chasing them away, although the team remains nearby.

One of Pellegrino’s assistants then appears to speak to the person who aimed the punch in an attempt to calm him down, while other players from the home bench then move towards him.

The shocking attack was reported to North Wales Police, as reported by NWCFA and Penrhyn.

The club statement said: “A fantastic result and performance from the lads today.

“Unfortunately the match was marred by an incident which occurred approximately 15 minutes into the match when a Penrhyn player, acting as a volunteer linesman, was assaulted.

“The Club will make no further comment but will support the player as the matter has been reported to the police.”

The NWCFA added: “The North Wales Coast Football Association (NWCFA) is aware of a video circulating on social media relating to an incident at Amlwch Town FC. This incident is currently under investigation by police, of which NWCFA has requested details.

“While this is an ongoing investigation, we urge people not to share the video or comment as it may impact the investigation.”

“The incident will be investigated accordingly following the conclusion of the police investigation.”

Penrhyn would go on to win the match 8-0 in a dominant performance in the amateur clash.

Cai Henshaw scored four in the heavy win, while Tom Hughes scored 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 guys.

“I’m proud of you all, COYC.”

The Wales FA CEO confirmed on social media that he was aware of the incident and condemned the attack.

Penryhn’s players then rushed to the scene before visiting manager Riccardo Pellegrino sent them away.

North Wales Police said: “We can confirm that we are currently investigating an assault which occurred at Amlwch Town FC ground on Saturday 27 April.

“We can also confirm that we are aware of the images circulating on social media and ask people not to share them to avoid potentially harming any legal proceedings.”

“Police investigations are continuing and we would urge anyone who may have mobile phone footage showing the incident to contact us as soon as possible quoting reference number 24000385680.”

Amlwch Town has been contacted for comment.