Hampshire Police have confirmed they are investigating an alleged common assault on a teenage boy during Cardiff City's Championship match at Portsmouth on Saturday. The incident involved Cardiff defender Krystian Bielik and a home supporter at Fratton Park.
The confirmation is the first official police statement about the nature of the incident. Hampshire Police said they were notified during the match and launched an investigation immediately afterwards.
Police confirm investigation
A spokesperson said: "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."
The incident occurred late in the second half when Bielik went into the crowd to retrieve a ball. The Cardiff defender became involved in a physical altercation with a supporter, with several Portsmouth fans appearing to make gestures suggesting the Poland international had grabbed the teenager around the throat.
Club and FA responses
Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy claimed after the game that Bielik had "got slapped in the face". Footage circulating on social media appeared to show Bielik grabbing a young supporter around the upper body, although the full circumstances remain unclear while police enquiries continue.
The incident came shortly before another supporter threw a ball at the head of Cardiff defender Perry Ng. Both Portsmouth fans involved were ejected from the stadium. Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho apologised to Cardiff's players after the final whistle following the incidents during the hosts' 2-0 victory.
Portsmouth Football Club confirmed the matter was being investigated by both the club and police. The club said: "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."
Next steps
The Football Association is also aware of the matter and is expected to review the details contained in the referee's match report before deciding whether any action should be taken.
Cardiff City said in their statement: "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."
