FA probe looms over Krystian Bielik after fan‑throttling at Portsmouth

In the second half of the EFL clash at Fratton Park on Saturday, Cardiff defender Krystian Bielik was caught on camera grabbing a young Portsmouth supporter around the neck as he chased a stray match ball. The confrontation forced a stoppage of roughly three minutes.

Bielik’s altercation and immediate fallout

Shutterstock Editorial footage shows the 28‑year‑old, a former Arsenal defender, reaching for the ball in the 70th minute and pulling the fan by the neck. The supporter then pushed Bielik away and appeared to slap him in the face, prompting shocked Pompey fans to react.

Cardiff entered the second half trailing 2‑0 after goals from Conor Shaughnessy and Marezi before the break. Bielik, a summer signing from West Brom, had already been booked in the ninth minute. Earlier, a separate Pompey fan was seen launching a ball off Perry Ng’s head, leading officials to pause play for about three minutes.

Pompey manager John Mousinho issued an apology for the incident, while Cardiff’s Brian Barry-Murphy claimed Bielik had been slapped in the face. reports the FA are aware of the altercation and are awaiting the referee’s report, meaning a fine or ban could follow the probe.

Referee Ben Speedie spoke to both captains and managers before allowing the game to resume. Bielik, already on a yellow card, received no further on‑field sanction and left the pitch as a substitute in stoppage time. No immediate disciplinary action was taken during the match.

Result and league impact

Portsmouth’s victory lifted them to 13th place in the league, whereas Cardiff remain in the relegation zone in 22nd position. The Bluebirds have failed to win any of their five league games to date.