THIS is the shocking moment a Sunday league defender delivers a crunching tackle to an opponent before brazenly smacking him in the face.
The incident came in the match between Nechells Athletic FC and Belford Rovers in the Festival League in Birmingham, West Midlands on Sunday.
Nechells Athletic player Jermelle ‘JB’ Banner was the victim of the shocking challenge, being brought to ground by a high tackle before seemingly taking a punch to the face.
Jermelle later took to social media to share footage of the incident whilst alleging that this was the second time in just three weeks that the same player had “assaulted” him.
Video shows the moment Nechells Athletic begin their counter attack up the field as their defender knocks a ball towards Jermelle as the Belford Rovers defender moves to intercept.
As the ball bounces it becomes clear to see that Jermelle will get to the ball first but as he knocks the ball on, the Belford defender comes clattering in studs first.
The defender hits Jermelle’s knee and upper thigh with his boot in a horrific challenge that draws shouts and protests from those on the sidelines.
Jermelle rolls on the ground before tentatively putting weight onto his knee to check if he is okay to continue.
The defender avoids making eye contact and decides to try and jog past the winger who he left on the floor just moments ago.
However, enraged by what could have been a career-ending tackle, Jermelle jumps up and shoulder barges into his much larger opponent.
The defender, wearing the number 4, takes umbrage at the gesture and tries to box his opponent, throwing a quick jab into the face of Jermelle who walks back.
A woman behind the camera can be heard shouting to Jermelle, pleading: “JB, calm it. Calm.”
Jermelle gestures to the referee, indicating that he has been physically assaulted by his opponent and looking for the player to be sent off.
Players and coaches from both sides run into the picture, with what appears to be the Nechells Athletic manager visibly enraged by the Belford defender’s challenge.
He is held back by others as he screams: “F***ing animal you are, an animal!”
The woman behind the camera can be heard again shouting: “Dennis, get off the pitch, everyone get off the pitch man.”
Jermelle took to social media yesterday to share the footage, claiming: “This is now the second time in three weeks this player has assaulted me and the Festival League need to do something about it.
“The referee claims to have not seen it and even the challenge was only given a yellow, I’ll let you guys judge this, Belford Rovers you’re a disgrace and poor.”
His post received over 780 likes with hundreds of comments from football fans and referees who were quick to offer their thoughts on the incident.
One said: “One thing squaring up and pushing but he tried to box you, you’d have a yellow and he should have been off from the tackle, let alone the aftermath.”
Another added: “I’m a qualified FA referee albeit at U-21 Sunday level, straight red for [centre-back] number 4, completely reckless, dangerous and fits the criteria for serious foul play.
“His punch at you in the aftermath fits the bill for violent conduct, for you maximum [a] yellow as I get your reaction.”
A third replied: “Don’t think it takes a genius to work out it’s a red for serious foul play, could easily give one for the punch too.
“As for you, I’d react that way as well, yellow for the reaction which let’s be honest would be 99% of people.”
Another commented: “This is Sunday football I’m afraid, the guys who can’t play have to stop the lads who can however they can and there’s usually a nasty team in the league.”
