Ex-Arsenal player set to face FA probe after appearing to throttle fan in EFL chaos

Cardiff defender Krystian Bielik is expected to face an FA probe into an incident involving a young Portsmouth fan.

talkSPORT understands the FA are ‘aware’ of the altercation during Cardiff’s 2-0 defeat at Fratton Park on Saturday and are awaiting the referee’s report.

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Bielik appears to grab the home supporter around the neck as he went to retrieve the match ball from the crowd.

Pompey boss John Mousinho apologised for the incident after Cardiff counterpart Brian Barry-Murphy claimed Bielik had been slapped in the face during the incident.

The fan involved was later ejected from the ground, much to the fury of Pompey fans on social media

The ex-Arsenal defender’s shocking altercation with the supporter in the second half led to a stoppage of around three minutes.

With the Bluebirds 2-0 down and chasing a late comeback, Bielik – a summer arrival from Championship rivals West Brom – lost his cool as he went to retrieve the ball in the 70th minute.

What happened with Bielik and the Portsmouth fan?

Instead of handing it back to the 11-cap Poland international, a young-looking fan proceeded to throw it over his head.

In response, the 28-year-old appears to have grabbed the supporter around his neck.

The fan then pushed the ex-Birmingham man away while appearing to slap him in the face.

Fellow Pompey supporters jumped up in anger, in shock at what they had witnessed.

Camera footage then caught the fan in question gesturing that he had been throttled by Bielik.

A few minutes before the chaos, a separate Pompey fan could also be seen launching a ball off the back of Perry Ng’s head.

The officials immediately looked to get the game under control, leading to a break of around three minutes.

Referee Ben Speedie spoke to both captains and managers before allowing the game to resume.

Bielik was already on a yellow card having been cautioned in the ninth minute.

But he faced no extra punishment, as he eventually left the pitch as a substitute in stoppage time.

Now he could be set for a fine or ban once the FA launches its probe into the event.

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It has also been claimed the supporter in question was ejected from the ground before the match finished.

Portsmouth statement

Portsmouth released a statement on the incident on Sunday afternoon, writing: “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.”