Ex Gunner faces probe after in-game fan altercation

Krystian Bielik was involved in a 70th-minute incident that stopped play for around three minutes, with further footage now being sought.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Krystian Bielik, the former Arsenal defender, could face an investigation by the Football Association after a confrontation with a Portsmouth supporter during Cardiff City’s 2-0 Championship defeat at Fratton Park.

The 28-year-old was trying to retrieve the ball and restart play with Cardiff two goals behind when the incident occurred in the 70th minute.

Footage shared online appears to show the Poland international reaching over the advertising hoardings and grabbing the young supporter around the neck after the ball had been thrown over him.

The supporter then appeared to slap Bielik and push him away.

Play was stopped for about three minutes while referee Ben Speedie and his officials settled things down, with the fan subsequently asked to leave the ground.

Bielik had already been booked in the ninth minute but received no further punishment during the match and completed the game.

The FA is aware of the incident and will consider the referee’s report before deciding whether to open a formal disciplinary investigation.

There may be more context still to establish. The footage widely circulated on social media captures only a short section of the exchange, while further camera angles are being sought as Portsmouth conduct their own investigation.

Brian Barry-Murphy, the Cardiff manager, said: “Krystian went to get the ball back from the stand and got slapped in the face.

“I just wanted to make sure he was protected and make sure he was OK. He is, and I thought the referee and his staff handled the incident impeccably.”

John Mousinho, the Portsmouth manager, 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. We extend our apologies to the players, Cardiff, and make sure we can try to cut it out.”

Bielik only joined Cardiff from West Bromwich Albion late last month for around £2m. His move followed a career that included four years at Arsenal after joining from Legia Warsaw in January 2015 for around the same amount.

He made two senior appearances for the Gunners, both in the League Cup, with his first-team debut coming against Sheffield Wednesday in October 2015.

Bielik left Arsenal permanently for Derby County in 2019 (£8m).