Soccer: Ex-footballer jailed over clash

A former Cardiff City player has been jailed for 60 days and banned from all football grounds in England and Wales for six years.

Cardiff Magistrates Court heard that Dai Thomas, 26, was involved in the violence that marred Cardiff City's defeat of Leeds United in the third round of the FA Cup last month.

Last month, he pleaded guilty to one count of threatening and violent behaviour under Section 4 of the Public Order Act.

Thomas was captured on camera throwing a hoarding towards Leeds fans during the pitch invasion after the game at Ninian Park on January 6.

Mike Evans, prosecuting, said that Thomas was at the front of a large crowd of fans who surged onto the pitch after Cardiff beat the Premiership giants 2-1.

Mr Evans said: "He was part of that large group, numbering hundreds.

"Police officers came under attack from missiles, advertising hoardings and they were also spat on."

He added that there was a very hostile environment with some officers describing it as the most frightening experience of their careers.

A video taken by police on the night of the match showed Thomas throwing the hoarding.

Thomas, of Howard Drive, Caerphilly, South Wales, was a former Wales under-21 international who also played for Swansea City.

But his career at the club ended after he was deported by Belgian police following his arrest during violence which marred England's 1-0 victory over Germany at Euro 2000.