Police are investigating an alleged common assault after a Cardiff City player appeared to grab a young Portsmouth supporter by the neck over the weekend.
The incident occurred during the Championship fixture between Portsmouth and Cardiff. Portsmouth won the match 2-0.
The match came to a halt in the 70th minute as Cardiff star Krystian Bielik became involved in an altercation as he tried to retrieve the ball from near the home fans at Fratton Park.
The former Arsenal youngster then appeared to grab the fan by the neck. In retaliation, the supporter in question seemed to slap Bielik before he was seen escorted out by stewards alongside his family.
It has now been confirmed that the police have opened an investigation into the incident.
Portsmouth have also opened their own investigation, which was confirmed in a club statement.
It read: “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.
🚨🏴 Absolute scenes! Cardiff City’s Krystian Bielik reaches into the stands and grabs a Portsmouth fan by the neck after the ball is thrown away! Play was halted for 3 minutes as stewards in. 😳 pic.twitter.com/n3tPSfrPiF
— Ultras Clips (@ultras_clips) September 5, 2026
“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.”