Cardiff City midfielder Krystian Bielik has been suspended for two matches and fined £10,000 by the Football Association after admitting a misconduct charge relating to the club's Championship fixture at Portsmouth.
The FA charged Bielik with misconduct last month following an altercation with a young Portsmouth supporter at Fratton Park on September 5. The Poland international has now accepted the charge, with an independent Regulatory Commission imposing the sanctions after a hearing.
FA statement on the incident
In a statement, the FA said: "Krystian Bielik has been suspended for two matches and fined £10,000 for misconduct during Cardiff City’s EFL Championship match against Portsmouth on Saturday 5 September."
"It was alleged that the player acted in an improper manner around the 71st minute of the fixture. Krystian Bielik subsequently admitted the charge. An independent Regulatory Commission imposed these sanctions following a hearing, and the written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course."
The incident occurred as Bielik attempted to retrieve the ball from the South Stand during the second half of the game. Video footage later emerged appearing to show an altercation between the player and a young supporter.
Police investigation closed
The referee did not take action against Bielik at the time, while the supporter was escorted from the stadium by security. The FA subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings and gave Bielik until September 25 to respond.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary separately concluded its investigation into the incident, confirming last month that no further action would be taken after an out-of-court disposal was agreed between Bielik and the supporter. An apology was also provided by the Cardiff player as part of that resolution, bringing the police investigation to a close.
The FA disciplinary process, which was separate from the police investigation, has now resulted in the two-match suspension. The written reasons behind the Regulatory Commission's decision will be published by the FA in due course.
Impact on Cardiff
Bielik has established himself as an important member of Brian Barry-Murphy's Cardiff side since joining the club and has been a key figure in the Bluebirds' midfield this season. The timing of the suspension means Cardiff will have to contend with his absence when the ban takes effect.
The club are preparing to return to Championship action following the extended international break, with Blackburn Rovers next up for the Bluebirds.
