Hampshire Police have launched an investigation into an alleged assault involving Cardiff City player Krystian Bielik and a young Portsmouth fan during a Championship match on Saturday. The incident occurred in the 70th minute at Fratton Park when Bielik, attempting to retrieve the ball from the stands, appeared to make contact with a fan's throat.

The confrontation began when a Portsmouth supporter took possession of the ball and moved it away from Bielik. In response, the 28-year-old player reached towards the fan. The fan then stood and appeared to push Bielik back. Following a delay, the supporter involved was ejected from the stadium.

Police confirmed on Sunday afternoon that they are investigating an incident where a teenage boy was reportedly the victim of a common assault. "Our enquiries are ongoing," a police statement said.

Portsmouth Football Club acknowledged the incident, stating that it is being treated as a "safeguarding matter" and is under investigation by both the club and the police. The club urged caution against speculation on social media, emphasizing the paramount importance of the welfare and safeguarding of young people.

Both team managers, John Mousinho of Portsmouth and Brian Barry-Murphy of Cardiff, were spoken to by the referee, along with the team captains. Cardiff manager Barry-Murphy claimed Bielik was "slapped in the face" by the fan and praised the referee's handling of the situation, stating it was "impeccable."

"The players are always subjected to different things that's not acceptable," Barry-Murphy added. "My job is to protect the players... I'm sure the FA will look at it and implement the correct processes."

Portsmouth manager Mousinho offered an apology to Cardiff and their players, noting that the fan struck Bielik as he went to retrieve the ball. "It wasn't a good incident," Mousinho said. "We want to create a really difficult atmosphere at Fratton Park... but we can't be having that. We extend our apologies to the players, Cardiff and make sure we can try to cut it out."

Portsmouth secured a 2-0 victory over Cardiff in the match. Bielik, who joined Cardiff last month, was making his fourth appearance for the club.