Krystian Bielik has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association over the altercation with a Portsmouth supporter at Fratton Park, on the same day Hampshire Police confirmed they have closed their own investigation and will take no further action.
The Cardiff City defender has until Friday, 25 September to respond. The FA's wording is narrow: "It's alleged that the player [Bielik] acted in an improper manner around the 71st minute of the match."
What happened at Fratton Park
The flashpoint came during Cardiff's 2-0 Championship defeat at Portsmouth on Saturday, 5 September. Bielik, who is 28, went to collect the ball from the crowd late in the second half and ended up in a physical exchange with a supporter. Several Portsmouth fans nearby made gestures suggesting they believed the fan had been grabbed by the throat. Clips that spread on social media appeared to show the Poland international taking hold of a young supporter around the upper body.
Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy said afterwards that his player "got slapped in the face". In the aftermath another supporter threw a ball at the head of Cardiff defender Perry Ng. Both fans were ejected.
The police inquiry is over
Hampshire Police were told about the incident during the match and opened an investigation immediately after it. That has now been wrapped up.
"After speaking with the complainant and reviewing all available evidence, the matter has been resolved by way of an out-of-court disposal, agreed by all parties involved," a police statement read. "As part of this resolution, an apology has been provided by the player. The matter is now considered closed, and no further action will be taken in relation to this incident."
So the criminal side is finished, with an apology on the record. The FA charge runs on its own track and carries its own possible sanction.
Two managers, two positions
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho apologised to Cardiff's players straight after the game. His tone changed once he had seen the footage. He later said he was "absolutely furious" about the position he felt he had been put in by the incident.
Cardiff have been asked to comment. Bielik, who came through Arsenal's academy as a teenager and has spent most of his career in the English second tier, now has a deadline to meet and a decision to make about how he answers it.
Case facts: Krystian Bielik, 28, Cardiff City and Poland. Incident occurred around the 71st minute of Portsmouth 2-0 Cardiff City, Championship, Fratton Park, Saturday 5 September 2026. FA charge: misconduct, response due Friday 25 September. Hampshire Police investigation concluded with an out-of-court disposal and an apology from the player; no further action.
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