Shocking footage has emerged capturing the moment a staff member from a rival football team in North Wales punched a young linesman in the face.
In the North Wales Coast Football Association match at Amlwch Town, Clwb Pêl-Droed Penrhyndeudraeth outscored the hosts by eight goals in a highly one-sided game, although things turned ugly shortly after the whistle blew .
With one of the visiting players voluntarily serving as a linesman for the league clash, an Amlwch staff figure appeared to hit the player after just 15 minutes of action.
Video footage shows the stunning moment, with two paths crossing on the touchline.
It is unclear if anything is said between the two, before Amlwch’s figure approaches and aims a blow at the linesman’s chin, sending him to the ground.
The images show the linesman and the figure of the Amlwch staff crossing each other on the touchline in the first half.
The Amlwch staff figure then punches the volunteer linesman in the face and knocks him to the ground.
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Seemingly stunned for a few seconds, the linesman stands up as the staff member returns to his bench, before Penrhyn boss Riccardo Pellegrino walks over and helps his player to his feet.
The rest of Team Penrhyn then rushes to the scene, but Pellegrino avoids any conflict by pulling them away, although the team remains very close.
One of Pellegrino’s assistants appears to talk to the figure who punched him to try to calm him down, while other players from the local bench approach.
The shocking attack has been reported to North Wales Police, according to both the NWCFA and Penrhyn.
The club’s statement read: “A fantastic result and performance from the boys today.”
‘Unfortunately the game was marred by an incident which occurred approximately 15 minutes into the game 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 in relation to an incident at Amlwch Town FC. This incident is currently being investigated by police , and the NWCFA has requested details.
“While this is an ongoing investigation, we urge people not to share the video or comment as this could affect any investigation.”
“The incident will be investigated accordingly once the police investigation is concluded.”
Penrhyn would win the game 8-0 in a dominant performance in the amateur clash.
Cai Henshaw scored four in the emphatic victory, 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 field after what happened was impeccable, I’m proud to coach this fantastic group of guys.”
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The Welsh FA CEO confirmed on social media that they are aware of the incident and have condemned the attack.
The Penryhn players rush to the venue before visiting coach Riccardo Pellegrino dismisses them.
North Wales Police said: “We can confirm that we are currently investigating an assault which occurred at the grounds of Amlwch Town FC on Saturday 27 April.
We can also confirm that we are aware of the images circulating on social media and ask that people do not share them to avoid potentially damaging any legal proceedings.
Police investigations are continuing and we 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.
