Police are investigating an alleged common assault involving Cardiff City midfielder Krystian Bielik and a young Portsmouth supporter during Saturday’s Championship match at Fratton Park.
The incident occurred in the 70th minute of Portsmouth’s 2-0 victory when Bielik went to retrieve the ball near the home supporters. The player appeared to grab the young fan around the neck before the supporter seemingly slapped him in response.
The fan was later escorted from the stadium by stewards alongside his family.
Hampshire Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway, while Portsmouth have also launched their own probe, describing the matter as a safeguarding issue.
In a statement, the club urged caution over claims circulating on social media while the investigations continue.
“The welfare and safeguarding of young people are of paramount importance to Portsmouth Football Club,” the club said.
Cardiff manager Brian Barry-Murphy said after the match that Bielik had been slapped in the face, while Portsmouth boss John Mousinho apologised to Cardiff and its players over the incident.
Both club and police investigations remain ongoing.
