TAUNTON Town FC manager Richard Luffman has issued an apology after a fiery half-time confrontation with opposition players during a recent defeat.

At half time during the Peacocks’ 2-1 loss against Plymouth Parkway on Tuesday evening (October 14), Luffman confronted an opposition player as the teams left the pitch.

A melee ensured, with players from both sides separating the Taunton boss from his intended target.
It came after a dramatic first half at Parkway’s Bolitho Park ground, which saw midfielder Jack Rice sent off after just 20 seconds.

The Peacocks were 1-0 down after another contentious decision brought about the free kick that saw Plymouth score – and tempers frayed when the whistle went.

In video footage posted on social media, Luffman appears to enter the pitch in a bid to confront a Plymouth player – losing his hat in the process.

He continued to try to reach his target, but was restrained by numerous players and staff until he made his way down the tunnel.

Some great footage of the Taunton manager losing the plot as well as his hat at Plymouth parkway last night pic.twitter.com/QGFj4bx5rz

— Darran Pearce (@DarranPearce) October 15, 2025

Now, the manager and the board at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium have issued statements apologising for the incident.

Addressing his comments to “the Peacock family” and signing off “Luffers”, the manager said: “I just wanted to put on record my sincere apologies for Tuesday night. I didn’t act how I usually do, and I’m sorry.

“I’m big enough to admit when I’m wrong and I felt I needed to put on record that I feel I’ve let down our wonderful supporters, the board of directors, and everyone attached to our amazing football club.

“I’m passionate about this club and determined to win, but I’ve let you all down last night, no excuses it wasn’t acceptable.”

Meanwhile, a statement from the Board of Directors said the boss’ behaviour “does not meet the expectations we expect at Taunton Town Football Club”.

They said it was the “first time that Richard has been sent off or let his passion get the better of him since managing Taunton Town and we have therefore reminded him of the level of professionalism that we expect”.

“Sport is a highly passionate profession, and we know that at times we all overstep the mark, or behave in a manner that we later regret, but that does not make it right or acceptable,” the statement added.

READ MORE: Taunton news from your Somerset Leveller

“As a board we are very happy with the job that Richard is doing at the club, rebuilding a team from scratch with limited finances. We knew this was going to be a challenging phase for the club, however we are in agreement that the club is ahead, both on and off the pitch, of where we expected to be within the rebuilding project.

“Our attention now turns to Saturday’s fixture with Sholing where we know Richard and the team will be working incredibly hard to get back to winning ways.”

They said the matter had been addressed internally and was now closed.

“Taunton Town FC remains fully focused on its ongoing development both on and off the pitch as part of its wider rebuilding project under Luffman’s management,” the board added.

The Peacocks return to action tomorrow (October 18) in the Southern Football League with a home match against Sholing. Kick off is at 3pm.