Krystian Bielik incident investigated by police as clubs issue statements

Police are investigating an incident involving Krystian Bielik and a young supporter at Fratton Park, Portsmouth have confirmed.

Portsmouth and Bielik's new club Cardiff City have now issued statements following the confrontation during a 2-0 Portsmouth win on Saturday. Portsmouth claim the matter is being treated as a safeguarding issue.

The incident occurred during the second half after the ball went into the stand, with Bielik going to retrieve it. Video footage circulating online appeared to show the Cardiff defender making contact with the neck of a young supporter.

Cardiff manager Brian Barry-Murphy subsequently said Bielik had been slapped in the face during the confrontation, while Portsmouth boss John Mousinho apologised to Cardiff and condemned what had happened.

Referee Ben Speedie halted the game and spoke to both sets of players and staff before play eventually resumed, reports WalesOnline.

A Portsmouth statement reads: "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 are waiting to hear what has been submitted in a report to the FA by referee Speedie.

A Cardiff statement reads: "Cardiff City FC is aware of a confrontation between a small section of Portsmouth supporters and Krystian Bielik at Fratton Park yesterday.

"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.

"It is understood that due process will be undertaken following the submission of the referee’s report to the Football Association. As such it would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter at this time."

Barry-Murphy said that Speedie's handling of the situation had been "Impeccable".

He added: "Krystian went to get the ball back from the stands and got slapped in the face. I just wanted to make sure he was protected and make sure he was ok. He is. "I thought the referee and his staff handled the incident impeccably."

Mousinho suggested that the situation had gone beyond what was acceptable in terms of making Fratton Park intimidating for opposition.

He said: "The referee said that, as Krystian went to get the ball, there was a little bit of a kerfuffle and one of the supporters struck him. It wasn't a good incident. I have just seen him there, and he was OK, but that's not the point, we can't be having that.

"We want to create a really difficult atmosphere at Fratton Park, we have done that successfully over the past few years. Sometimes it tips over, I understand that, I don't think it needs to tip over to that extent.

"We extend our apologies to the players, Cardiff and make sure we can try to cut it out."

Bielik, aged 28, spent four years on Derby's books before joining Birmingham City. He moved to West Bromwich Albion last season before joining Cardiff this summer.

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