Hampshire Police have launched an investigation following an altercation involving Cardiff City defender Krystian Bielik and a teenage Portsmouth supporter during Saturday’s Championship match at Fratton Park.
The incident occurred late in Portsmouth’s 2-0 victory as Bielik attempted to retrieve the ball from the crowd so Cardiff could take a throw-in.
Footage circulating on social media appeared to show the Poland international grabbing a young supporter around the upper body. Several people in the crowd subsequently made gestures suggesting that they believed the fan had been grabbed by the throat.
Hampshire Police confirmed that officers were notified during the match and began investigating immediately afterwards.
“We can confirm that we are investigating an incident in which a teenage boy was reportedly the victim of a common assault during the football match at Fratton Park. Our enquiries are ongoing.”
Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy offered a different account after the game, claiming that Bielik had been “slapped in the face” during the confrontation. The situation escalated when another Portsmouth supporter threw a ball which struck Cardiff defender Perry Ng on the head. Both supporters involved were ejected from the stadium.
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho apologised to Cardiff’s players after the match, while the club subsequently released a statement urging people not to speculate while the incident remains under investigation.
“Portsmouth Football Club are aware of supporter concerns regarding the incident involving a young fan and an opposition player at yesterday’s match at Fratton Park.
“As this remains a safeguarding matter and is currently under investigation by both the club and the police, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further on the circumstances at this time.
“However, we are aware that a number of claims and assertions are circulating on social media. We would urge caution against speculation while enquiries are ongoing.
“The welfare and safeguarding of young people are of paramount importance to Portsmouth Football Club. We will continue to liaise with the relevant parties as enquiries progress.
“No further comment will be made at this stage while investigations remain ongoing.”
The Football Association is also aware of the incident. It will examine the referee’s match report before determining whether further action is required. Cardiff City said they were satisfied with the way match officials handled the confrontation at the time.
“We are satisfied with the way that match officials dealt with the situation during the game, having been in full view of it. Player protection will always be of paramount importance to us.”
The incident overshadowed Portsmouth’s first home victory of the Championship season. Conor Shaughnessy opened the scoring with a header after 31 minutes before Marko Milovanovic doubled the advantage shortly after half-time.
The result lifted Portsmouth into 13th place, while winless Cardiff dropped into the relegation places after failing to record a victory across their opening five league matches.
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