Portsmouth Football Club has confirmed that police are investigating an incident involving Cardiff City defender Krystian Bielik and a home supporter during their Championship match on Saturday. The club is also conducting its own inquiry.
Bielik was involved in a physical altercation with a fan while attempting to retrieve a ball from the crowd late in the second half of Portsmouth's 2-0 win. Cardiff's head coach, Brian Barry-Murphy, stated that Bielik was "slapped in the face." Video clips shared on social media appear to show the Poland international grabbing a fan around the upper body, with some Portsmouth supporters indicating that the fan was grabbed by the throat.
Following the incident, another fan reportedly threw a ball at Cardiff defender Perry Ng's head. Both supporters involved were ejected from the stadium.
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho has apologized to Cardiff City's players for the events. In a statement, Portsmouth Football Club acknowledged awareness of supporter concerns regarding the incident.
"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," the club said. "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 club emphasized that the "welfare and safeguarding of young people are of paramount importance" and that they will continue to liaise with relevant parties. No further comment will be made while investigations continue.
The Football Association has been notified and will review the referee's match report to determine if any action is necessary. Cardiff City expressed satisfaction with how match officials handled the situation during the game, stating that player protection is a priority.