Man, 43, arrested after linesman is PUNCHED in the face during football game by coach
COPS have arrested a man after shocking footage emerged of a linesman being punched in the face by a coach during a football match.
The chaos broke out during a game between Amlwch Town FC and Penrhyndeudraeth FC in Anglesey on Saturday afternoon.
Footage of the incident has gone viral after being shared on social media, with police having launched an investigation.
The man, 43, was released on bail but North Wales cops are vowing to enquire further.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Gibson said: “Our investigations into the incident are ongoing.
“We are liaising closely with North Wales Coast Football Association and urge people not to speculate or further share footage which is currently being circulated on social media to avoid potentially prejudicing any legal proceeding.”
The video, taken from a camera above the dugouts, shows a man walking towards the linesman – who is carrying a flag and wearing a brightly-coloured bib.
The man, believed to be a coach of one of the teams, is then seen to punch the linesman, sending him hurtling to the floor.
Several furious players then made their way to the dugouts after spotting the punch, before the footage cuts out.
Do you have more information about the incident? Contact jamie.phillips@thesun.co.uk
A spokesman for North Wales Police told The Sun: “We can confirm that we are currently investigating an assault which occurred at Amlwch Town FC’s grounds on Saturday, April 27.
“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.”
North Wales Coast Football Association said it is aware of the footage but would not be commenting at this stage.
A post on Amlwch Town FC’s Facebook said: “Given that there are further investigations pending, it would not be appropriate for us to comment at this time.”
In their own Facebook post, Penrhyndeudraeth FC added: “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.”