An ex-footballer who elbowed an opponent in the face during a league match has walked free from court.

Tom Taylor pleaded guilty to assaulting Danny Brookwell during the Ardal North West fixture between Porthmadog and Trearddur Bay at Y Traeth in January.

The 36 year-old from Llandonna, who was subsequently released by his club, is also serving an indefinite FAW ban from all football-related activity.

He was given a suspended prison sentence when he appeared before Caernarfon magistrates on Monday.

The court heard Mr Brookwell, a forward with Porthmadog, was knocked unconscious by Taylor as the pair stood shoulder-to-shoulder while waiting for a penalty to be taken.

He suffered concussion and injuries to his mouth and face as a result.

In a victim impact statement read to court, Mr Brookwell said being knocked unconscious was "a very disturbing experience" and he only found out what had happened when he was shown footage of the incident.

"Suddenly, I hit the floor. I sat up and saw blood coming from my nose and mouth. No one else on the pitch had seen the incident, everyone was focused on the spot kick. I had a scare, I felt shaky and I couldn't continue playing. I didn't know what had caused it."

Mr Brookwell said the awareness of people watching caused him further stress and anxiety, which led to sleepless nights, as well as considering whether to give up football.

He added: "Football has always brought me great enjoyment, but now, I feel nervous and on edge. I have considered leaving completely as the feeling now is one of stress and anxiety rather than happiness."

Taylor, a defender, was initially suspended by Trearddur Bay FC and released by the club shortly afterwards. He was arrested and subsequently charged by police with causing actual bodily harm.

A week after the fixture, Taylor was charged by the FAW with violent conduct and suspended from all football-related activity with immediate effect pending the outcome of an investigation.

In court, the defence alleged Mr Brookwell had made comments to Taylor during the match, threatening to break his legs.

Glyn Roberts, in mitigation, said the threat did not justify the behaviour that followed and he accepted that the conduct was "inexcusable" and that he wishes to apologise for what happened

He said threats had been made against Taylor on social media, where footage of the incident was widely shared.

Taylor was given a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, and must pay £200 compenstation to Mr Brookwell and further costs totalling £239.

Following the incident, a spokesperson for Trearddur Bay FC said:“Following an internal review, the decision was taken to release the suspended player involved with immediate effect."

“Trearddur Bay Football Club does not condone violence in any form and acknowledges that the incident should not have occurred.

“The club offers its sincere apologies to the opposition player involved, CPD Porthmadog, match officials, supporters, and the wider football community.”