BIELIK PROBE: Police launch investigation after Cardiff City star appeared to grab young fan by the neck

Hampshire Police have launched an investigation into an alleged common assault after a Cardiff City player appeared to grab a young Portsmouth supporter by the neck during a clash on Saturday.

Portsmouth's 2-0 win over the Bluebirds was overshadowed by unsavoury scenes in the 70th minute of the Championship match. Krystian Bielik went over to the sidelines to collect the ball in order to take a throw-in, only to become involved in a heated exchange with a nearby fan.

Replays appeared to show the 28-year-old former Arsenal star grabbing the youngster by the throat. Bielik was then slapped by the fan, who was led out of the stadium by stewards along with his family. The match was briefly stopped by the referee in order to cool the situation down.

Hampshire Police are now investigating the incident, which will also be the subject of a Football Association investigation after being included in the referee's report.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson told Mirror Football: "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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Portsmouth said in a statement: “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.”

A Cardiff City spokesperson said: "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.”

Speaking after the game, Cardiff boss Brian Barry-Murphy said: "I wanted to make sure he (Bielik) was protected and make sure he was okay, which he is. I thought the referee and his staff handled the incident impeccably. I was assured by him the correct processes will take place.

"He said he’d seen everything which occurred really clearly, so he diffused the situation and implemented the correct processes from there.