Investigation opens into to alleged assault involving Cardiff City football player and Pompey fan

Cardiff City FC and Portsmouth FC said they are both aware of the alleged incident. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

An investigation has opened into an alleged common assault involving a football player and fan at a Cardiff City away football match.

The incident occured yesterday (Saturday 5 September) at Fratton Park in Portsmouth.

It is understood that the alleged altercation involved Cardiff City defender Krystian Bielik and a teenage boy.

The Press Association reports that video footage of the incident shows the Cardiff City defender becoming involved in the alleged altercation with the young male supporter, who caught the ball and then appeared to be pushed in the throat by the player after he had thrown it back towards the pitch.

Cardiff City FC said it is aware of a "confrontation between a small section of Portsmouth supporters and Krystian Bielik at Fratton Park yesterday".

It continues: "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.”

Portsmouth FC said it is also aware of the incident and concerns some fans may have.

It continues: "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".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 yesterday’s (Saturday 5 September) football match at Fratton Park. Our enquiries are ongoing."

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