Police have opened an investigation after Cardiff City defender Krystian Bielik became involved in a confrontation with a home supporter during Portsmouth’s 2-0 Championship victory at Fratton Park on Saturday.
The incident occurred late in the second half when Bielik went towards the stands to retrieve the ball and became involved in a physical exchange with a young fan.
Hampshire Police were alerted during the match and began enquiries shortly afterwards. The force said it is investigating a report that a teenage boy was the victim of a common assault.
Some Portsmouth supporters nearby appeared to indicate that they believed the fan had been grabbed around the throat area.
Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy gave a different account after the game, saying Bielik had been struck in the face. Video clips shared on social media appeared to show the Poland international making contact with the young supporter around the upper body, although the full circumstances remain under investigation.
Tensions continued moments later when another Portsmouth fan threw a ball that struck Cardiff defender Perry Ng in the head. Both supporters involved in the incidents were removed from the stadium.
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho later apologised to Cardiff’s players for what had happened.
The Championship club subsequently confirmed that it had also launched an investigation and was working with police over what it described as a safeguarding matter. Portsmouth urged supporters not to speculate about footage and claims circulating online while enquiries continue.
The Football Association is also aware of the incident and is expected to examine the referee’s match report before determining whether disciplinary action is required.
Cardiff City said it was satisfied with how the match officials handled the confrontation during the game and stressed that protecting its players remains a priority.
Portsmouth’s 2-0 victory was ultimately overshadowed by the scenes in the stands, with both the club and police continuing to establish exactly what happened.