Ex-footballer is jailed over Cardiff clash

A former Cardiff City player was jailed for 60 days and banned from football grounds in England and Wales for six years yesterday for his part in violence at the club's cup tie with Leeds United last month

Cardiff magistrates' court was told Dai Thomas, 26, had been captured on camera throwing a hoarding towards Leeds fans during the pitch invasion after the FA Cup third round match at Ninian Park.

Last month, he pleaded guilty to one count of threatening and violent behaviour after Cardiff's 2-1 victory. The match will also be remembered for verbal clashes between Leeds' manager, David O'Leary, and the Cardiff owner, Sam Hammam – accused by Mr O'Leary of inciting Leeds fans by walking in front of them.

Thomas, from Caerphilly, represented Wales at under-21 level and became a favourite with Cardiff fans, playing 36 times for the club and scoring seven goals after joining from Watford in a £50,000 deal. But the club suspended him in August 2000 after he was filmed mixing with hooligans in Brussels during England's 1-0 victory over Germany at the Euro 2000 tournament.