FA charges Cardiff defender Krystian Bielik after Portsmouth fan incident

Bielik faces FA misconduct charge after Fratton Park flashpoint

Cardiff City defender Krystian Bielik has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association following an altercation with a Portsmouth supporter during Cardiff’s 2-0 Championship defeat at Fratton Park on 5 September.

The FA alleges that Bielik “acted in an improper manner around the 71st minute of the match”. The Poland international has until Friday, 25 September to respond to the charge.

The incident occurred when Bielik went into the crowd to retrieve a ball late in the second half. Footage circulated online appeared to show him grabbing a young supporter around the upper body, while several Portsmouth fans gestured as if the supporter had been grabbed by the throat.

Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy said after the match that Bielik “got slapped in the face”. In the aftermath, another supporter threw a ball at Cardiff defender Perry Ng. Both fans were ejected from the stadium.

Police investigation closed

Hampshire Police said they had concluded their investigation after speaking to the complainant and reviewing the available evidence. The matter was resolved through an out-of-court disposal agreed by all parties, with an apology provided by Bielik.

“The matter is now considered closed, and no further action will be taken in relation to this incident,” police said.

Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho apologised to Cardiff’s players after the match. He later said he was “absolutely furious” about the position he had been placed in after being shown footage of the incident. Cardiff City have been asked to comment on the FA charge.