Manager Robert Williams-Jones, 43, who punched a teenage linesman in his side’s 8-0 loss, has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Williams-Jones pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months at Caernarfon Magistrates Court on Monday.
He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 in compensation. Following the incident,
Robert was the boss of Amlwch Town FC at the time, with the incident taking place in April 2024, 15 minutes into the North Wales Coast West Premier League fixture against Penrhyndeudraeth FC.
The volunteer linesman – a member of the Penrhyndeudraeth squad – was sent to the floor following a blow to the chin, with people at the game audibly stunned at what happened.
Shithouse with a sucker punch if the @Cymru FA had anything about them he would get a lifetime ban. pic.twitter.com/5AS31D0jcb
— Pedro Griff (@realpetetwm) May 1, 2024
The linesman is able to get back to his feet, helped up by Penrhyn boss Riccardo Pellegrino, while the Amlwch staff member returned to the bench.
The rest of the Penrhyn squad rush over, only to be ushered away by Pellegrino to prevent anymore conflict.
One of Pellegrino’s assistants then talks to the staff member in a bid to calm him down, while other players from the home bench then walk on over.
This was reported to North Wales Police, as reported by both the NWCFA and Penrhyn.
The club’s statement read: ‘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.’
The NWCFA added: ‘The North Wales Coast Football Association (NWCFA) are aware of a video circulating on social media in relation to an incident at Amlwch Town FC. This incident is currently being investigated by the police, which the NWCFA has requested details.
‘Whilst this is an ongoing investigation, we would urge people not to share the video or comment as this could impact any investigation.
‘The incident will be investigated accordingly on conclusion of the police investigation.’
Penrhyn won the game 8-0 with Cai Henshaw netting four goals, while Tom Hughes scored a brace, 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 lads.
‘I’m proud all of you COYC.’
Noel Mooney, the FAW Chief Executive, tweeted: “Yes we are aware of the incident – as are police. There is no room in football for this.”
North Wales Police said on the 1st of May 2024: ‘We can confirm that we are currently investigating an assault which occurred at Amlwch Town FC’s grounds on Saturday, April 27th.
‘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.’
Police confirmed on the 2nd of May that a 43-year-old man has been arrested after a linesman was punched during a non-league football match.
They add that the man had been bailed and inquiries were ongoing.
Shortly after the game, Amlwch Town FC cut ties with Williams-Jones and issued an apology to both Penrhyndeudraeth FC and the assaulted linesman.
The club said in a statement at the time: “As a club we have been truly saddened by the events on the weekend.”
Twitter users have given their reaction as the 43 year old manager, who punched a teenage linesman in a 8-0 loss, is given a suspended prison sentence…
@HellholeIsland: Bloke should be in jail. Utterly unprovoked. If he did this on the street, he’d be sat in a cell.
@Frederi63983668: What kind of a deterrent is that?
@lamb_matty: Should face time in prison for that
@TheRefereeForum: How is this as an advert for getting youngsters into refereeing…? 🙄
@greigewins1: Absolutely shocking behaviour. Should not be anywhere near football at any level and should be charged for assault. No matter the age of the assistant ref that is just abhorrent
@DaveCockerLeeds: This is disgraceful, teenage Sub asked to run the line and the big hard man coach of opposing team does this, should do time to be honest, fucking coward 😡
@GRTourist: What a coward. Arrested, charged, convicted and a lifetime ban has to be the outcome. Tbh, the club should be facing charges as well. No one comes off their bench to get a grip of their manager, none of their players come over. Screams of a rotten club.
@THT1878: Get this scumbag away from football for ever ! Disgusting behaviour attacking a minor should / will be getting done by the child protection act. Absolute sh*tbag! No wonder grassroots is dying when scrotes like this are involved 🤮
@spaulinnit: Abuse of officials at the top level leads to abuse of officials at Grassroots. There is a definite cause and effect. Stop the abuse and disrespect at the senior level and the rest of football will follow.

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