Cardiff City player Krystian Bielik is under police investigation after allegedly grabbing a young Portsmouth fan by the throat during the South Coast club's 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth on Saturday.
The incident occurred in the 70th minute at Fratton Park, with Cardiff City trailing 2-0.
As Bielik, a former Arsenal academy player, attempted to retrieve the ball from the stands, a Portsmouth fan reached it first and threw it further away.
The 28-year-old Bielik was seen on camera reaching toward the fan's throat and pushing him away. The fan then appeared to push back. After a delay, the fan was ejected from the stadium, while Bielik received no immediate punishment.
On Sunday afternoon, Hampshire Police announced an investigation into an alleged assault.
Police stated: "We can confirm that we are investigating an incident that occurred during a football match at Fratton Park, where a teenager was allegedly subjected to common assault. The investigation is ongoing."
Portsmouth also issued a statement confirming that the matter is being handled by police and is considered a child safeguarding issue.
The statement read: "Portsmouth Football Club is aware of concerns regarding an incident involving a young supporter and an opposing player during yesterday's match at Fratton Park."
"As this remains a child safeguarding issue and is currently under investigation by both the club and the police, we are unable to comment further on the circumstances at this time."
"However, we have noted the numerous claims and allegations circulating on social media. We urge caution regarding speculation while the investigation is ongoing."
"Portsmouth Football Club always prioritizes the welfare and safeguarding of young people. We will continue to communicate with all relevant parties as the investigation progresses."
"No further comment will be made at this stage while the investigation is ongoing."
Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy said after the match that the fan had struck Bielik and praised the referee's handling of the incident.
He said: "I wanted to make sure he was protected and that he was okay, and he is okay now."
"I thought the referee and his team handled the incident superbly."
"He said he saw the whole thing very clearly, so he calmed the situation down first and then took the correct procedures."
"Players always face unacceptable things."
"My job is to protect the players, but ultimately, I want to make sure we play well and win games."
"I am confident the FA will review this and follow the correct procedures."
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho apologized to Cardiff City and their players after the incident.
He said: "The referee said there was some commotion when Krystian went to get the ball, and one of the fans hit him."
"It wasn't a good incident. I just saw him now, and he's okay, but that's not the point—we can't let this happen."
"We want to create a very difficult atmosphere at Fratton Park, and we have certainly done that in recent years."
"Sometimes things get out of hand, and I understand that, but I don't think it needs to escalate to that extent."
"We apologize to the players and to Cardiff City, and we will do our best to prevent this from happening."
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