Police investigating incident between Cardiff’s Bielik and Portsmouth fan

Police are investigating an incident involving Cardiff City’s Krystian Bielik and a Portsmouth fan during Saturday’s Championship game at Fratton Park.

Bielik became involved in an altercation while attempting to retrieve the ball from the crowd during Portsmouth’s 2-0 victory.

Cardiff boss Brian Barry-Murphy claimed the Poland international was “slapped in the face” while footage shared on social media showed Bielik grabbing the supporter.

Hampshire Police 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.”

Another supporter threw a ball at Cardiff defender Perry Ng, with both fans ejected from the stadium.

In a statement, Portsmouth 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.”

Cardiff City, meanwhile, released a statement saying: “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.”