Ashley Williams puts coach in HEADLOCK in front of shocked kids in U12 match

Ashley Williams has been slapped with an FA charge of misconduct and violent, threatening behavior after allegedly assaulting an opposition coach during an under-12 football match.

In dizzying scenes in front of shocked children, the former Wales captain and BBC pundit is said to have ‘completely lost it’ during the Manchester game in which his son played.

A spokesman for the ex-footballer claimed he acted in self-defense, adding they would defend the charges “firmly” and said they had “45 witnesses” to back up his version of events.

According to stunned witnesses, the 38-year-old entered the field of play to confront an opposition coach who intervened after Williams’ son was involved in an exchange with an opponent.

Williams subsequently reacted furiously, according to witnesses, allegedly struggling with the man in front of his own son and wife, and refusing to let him go.

Shocking video footage, taken after the incident, shows other parents dragging away an obviously enraged Williams as children watch as the game ends.

On a number of occasions he tries to wrestle free and tries to march back to the carriage before being stopped.

Witnesses said the ex-player continued to abuse two opposition coaches.

However, a Williams representative was adamant that he was the first to be attacked. He has responded to the charges and requested a personal hearing.

Ex-Wales captain Ashley Williams (circled, left and right) reportedly assaulted an opposition coach during an under-12 football match in Manchester while watching his son play

The incident canceled the September 18 game between Corinthians and Williams’ TSC United at Wright-Robinson College in Manchester.

It’s also clear that the BBC was notified, but Williams then appeared on an episode of Football Focus.

The match was in the East Manchester Junior Football League, which featured England internationals Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford.

The incident was immediately reported to the EMJFL and the Football Association.

Witnesses said coaches took to the field after a flashpoint between players.

The BBC was aware of the incident, which took place on September 18, but they nevertheless chose to book him for a performance on Football Focus. (Pictured: Williams appears on another BBC show)

They added: “Williams then came on and lost it completely.

“He put a coach in a safe. We had never seen anything like it.

“People begged him to stop. Some of the children were crying and the coach’s family was there. Some parents eventually managed to get rid of him, but he kept breaking free only to be held back again.

“It was downright disgraceful behavior from someone who should know better.”

A spokesman for the former Wales footballer claimed he acted in self-defense and that ’45 witnesses’ can confirm his version of events

A Williams spokesman said: ‘Ashley was attacked and defended himself. We have 45 witnesses – including people associated with the two teams that were about to use the pitch – who will support our version of events and we will defend Ashley vigorously.”

The incident comes at a time of widespread concern over parent and player behavior at youth matches and concern that referees are being turned away for fear of an attack.

Indeed, BBC Radio 5 Live has thoroughly investigated the matter this week.

Despite this, a BBC spokesperson simply said: ‘This is a personal matter for Ashley and the sport’s governing body.’ It is clear that he will remain in the air.

A former powerful centre-back, Williams made a name for himself at Stockport County before moving to Swansea City, where he would spend most of his career.

Despite being born in Wolverhampton, he won 86 caps for Wales and is widely expected to be part of the BBC’s coverage of the upcoming World Cup, in which Wales participate.

Williams, who is a McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador, has also played for Everton, Stoke City and Bristol City.