THIS is the moment a Newport County supporter was kicked as he lay on the ground by a police officer following Sunday's away match against Wrexham FC.

The picture, taken from footage recorded by another fan and posted on media sharing website YouTube, shows a North Wales police officer kicking the man twice in the stomach as he lay on the ground outside Wrexham's Racecourse Ground.

Newport County’s former match day manager and safety officer, Rob Santwris, who was at the game said the problem started when both sets of fans were let out of the ground at the same time after being segregated during the game, which ended 1-0 to Wrexham.

It is understood Black and Amber supporters pushed against the police as they tried to board coaches and some missiles were thrown at police prompting them to react.

But Mr Santwris maintained the officer’s actions were totally uncalled for and was a complete over-reaction.

He said: “The footage is ridiculous to be honest. The County fans were gesturing but not in any way kicking off, he was on he floor and it’s bang out of order.”

He added: “You do not kick a man like that when he is down. There are always two sides to a story but there is no justifying that. It’s thuggery in a uniform.”

A spokesman for North Wales Police said the force was aware of the video footage of the incident and was considering its contents.

He added three people were arrested after the game including two Newport fans.

One was charged with a public order offence and resisting a police officer and was bailed to appear in court, while the other was given a caution for obstructing a constable.

A Wrexham supporter was also charged with a public order offence and was bailed to attend court.

Three officers were also injured during the incident, including one who suffered a fractured wrist and two who had minor cuts and grazes. The force was unable to say if the officers’ injuries were caused by those who were arrested.

  • Exiles fan Mark Gilbert, of Ringland, claims a police officer hit him with a truncheon and kicked him while he was on the ground, leaving him with bruises.

The heavy goods lorry driver was arrested and charged with a public order offence and resisting arrest and will appear before Wrexham’s Magistrates’ Court on April 10.

Mr Gilbert, 30, has made an official complaint against North Wales Police about his treatment.