News
FIFA branded ‘disgraceful’ over poppy rejection
RESPONDING to FIFA rejecting the FAW’s request to wear poppies on their shirts against Serbia tomorrow (Nov 12), leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, has said: “While the outcome of this request by the FAW had a sad sense of inevitability, it is still no less disgraceful.
“This shameful decision to ban the Welsh team from displaying the poppy flies in the face of our values – it is an act of huge respect and national pride and it was only right that our players wanted to join in with millions of others paying their respects across the country.
“The efforts to reverse this by the Football Association should be commended and I’m sure our governing body will find other ways to pay respects this weekend.”
The Football Association of Wales and FIFA have been in regular dialogue with regards to the forthcoming Remembrance weekend.
FIFA turned down a request made by the FAW for the Wales National Team to wear poppies on their shirts or on armbands.
It has therefore been decided that Wales will wear black armbands during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Serbia at Cardiff City Stadium in memory of the fallen.
On Wednesday (November 9), members of the squad and the British Legion took part in creating images for a portrait of Leigh Rhoose, the Welsh international goalkeeper who was killed during the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago.
Two hundred military personnel will be present at Cardiff City Stadium tonight (Nov 11) to join the management, squad and members of the media in a two- minute silence ahead of training on the 11th hour. A wreath will be laid on the pitch while an image of the poppy will be displayed on the stadium screens and a bugler will play the Last Post.
Prior to kick off tomorrow, a mosaic depicting the poppy be will unveiled by Wales supporters in the Family Stand and the players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect throughout the match.
Members of the Flanders Welsh War Memorial at Langemark will also be in attendance to watch the match. Two years ago, the Welsh squad and management visited the Langemark site, as well as Artillery Wood Cemetery, and strong links have been maintained ever since.
On Remembrance Sunday (Nov13), a delegation of management and players will be visiting a War Memorial to pay their respects at 11am.
JD Sports are also selling limited edition Wales home shirts with a poppy print and 100% of the profit from these sales will be donated to the Royal British Legion.
Jonathan Ford, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Wales, said: “The FAW naturally wishes to respect and honour those who fought and lost their lives fighting for their country.
“As an Association we also have to respect the rules of FIFA and following long discussions with members of the FAW Council, staff, management and players, a decision has been made not to wear the poppy against Serbia.
“We felt unable to take the risk of a financial penalty or point deduction, however, as we always have done at this time of year, we will be paying our respects in other ways.”
Lest We Forget
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.
Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.
The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:
- Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
- Common assault
- Assault by beating
No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.
Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
Defendant remanded in custody
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.
David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- A second count of assault
- Criminal damage
- An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
- A public order offence
Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.
Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”
A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing
A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.
Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.
During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.
Charges Include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- Intentional non-fatal strangulation
- Common assault on a woman
- Criminal damage in a domestic context
- Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
- Breach of bail conditions
Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.
Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.
No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.
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