Northern Ireland

Former Portadown FC player to be extradited to Northern Ireland over charges he broke footballer’s jaw during match

Ken Oman, pictured in 2016, as he played for Portadown FC. PICTURE: DAVID MAGINNIS/ PACEMAKER (David Maginnis/PMAKER)

A former Portadown FC player is to extradited to Northern Ireland over charges he broke another footballer’s jaw during a match.

Ken Oman (41), of Glasnevin Downs in Dublin, is accused of elbowing then Cliftonville player Caoimhín Bonner in the mouth at Solitude football ground in Belfast seven years ago.

It has been reported that Mr Bonner suffered a broken upper jaw and had two of his front teeth knocked out during the game between Portadown FC and Cliftonville in December 10 2016.

Mr Oman, a three-time League of Ireland winner, received a six-match ban from the Irish Football Association.

The High Court in Dublin has heard that a warrant, endorsed in the Republic in November 2023, stated that Mr Oman is accused of grievous bodily harm.

It was reported that Mr Oman is voluntarily surrendering himself to the authorities in Northern Ireland and has engaged a solicitor in the north.



In court on Tuesday, a barrister for Mr Oman said his client had been fully advised of his legal options and was fully aware of the implications of his surrender to Northern Ireland to face prosecution.

Mr Oman signed his consent papers and handed them to the registrar.

The court heard that Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo would order the surrender as he was satisfied Mr Oman had received professional legal advice and there was no issue with bail.

The extradition is expected to take place within the next 20 days.