Football coach, 43, who punched teenage linesman to the floor in mid-game attack as his team lost 8-0 avoids prison
A former football manager who punched a young linesman during a match has been spared jail.
Robert Williams-Jones was the manager of Amlwch Town FC when he punched a teenager in a match in which his team ultimately lost 8-0 in North Wales.
The linesman – who was part of the visiting Penrhyndeudraeth FC side – was sent to the floor after a punch to the chin just 15 minutes into the North Wales Coast West Premier League match in April 2024.
Footage of the clash at the duos was widely shared online as police launched an investigation into the incident.
Williams-Jones, of Eilian, Llaneilian, near Amlwch, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm after being charged over the incident.
The 43-year-old was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, at Caernarfon Magistrates Court on Monday.
He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 compensation.
Shocking video footage shared online showed the incident appearing to come out of nowhere, with the linesman standing halfway between Williams and Jones.
Robert Williams-Jones (pictured) was the manager of Amlwch Town FC when he punched a linesman after his team lost 8-0 to a rival team in North Wales
Footage shows the linesman and the Amlwch manger crossing on the touchline in the first half
Williams-Jones then punches the volunteer linesman in the face, causing him to fall to the ground
The camera showed Williams-Jones throwing a punch at the boy, hitting him in the face and sending him sprawling to the ground.
In the video, the manager then returns to his team bench, before his counterpart – Penrhyn boss Riccardo Pellegrino – moves to help his player to his feet.
The rest of the Penrhyn team then rush to the scene, but Pellegrino prevents any conflict by leading them away, although the team remains nearby.
One of Pellegrino’s assistants then appears to talk to Williams-Jones in an attempt to calm him down, while other players then walk over from the home bench.
Amlwch Town later said they had cut ties with the coach, who was appointed co-manager in May 2022, and apologized to both Penrhyn and the linesman.
In an earlier statement, the club said: ‘As a club we are truly saddened by the events this weekend.’
North Wales Police previously said: ‘We were called shortly after 4pm on Saturday April 27 to report an assault at a football match in Amlwch.’
Penrhyn would go on to win the match 8-0 in a dominant performance in the amateur match.
Cai Henshaw scored four points in the big 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 am proud to coach this fantastic group of boys.
Penryhn players rushed to the scene before visiting manager Riccardo Pellegrino led them away
“I’m proud of you all, COYC.”
Wales FA CEO confirmed on social media that they were aware of the incident and condemned the attack.
A statement from Penrhyn after the match read: ‘A fantastic result and performance from the boys today.
‘Unfortunately the match was marred by an incident that took place approximately 15 minutes into the match when a Penrhyn player, who was acting as a volunteer linesman, was attacked.’