FA charges Krystian Bielik as police close Portsmouth incident investigation

Cardiff City defender Krystian Bielik has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association following an incident involving Portsmouth supporters, while Hampshire Police have closed their investigation. BBC Sport reported on Wednesday that the police matter had been resolved through an agreed out-of-court disposal, with an apology from the player forming part of that resolution.

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The FA allegation concerns Bielik's behaviour around the 71st minute of Cardiff's 2-0 Championship defeat at Fratton Park on 5 September. The governing body alleges that the Poland international acted improperly and has given him until Friday, 25 September, to respond. The charge is an allegation; the BBC report did not announce a disciplinary finding or sanction.

Hampshire Police said officers had spoken to the complainant and examined the available evidence before reaching the resolution. All parties had agreed to the out-of-court disposal, according to the police statement carried by the BBC. The force said its investigation was complete and that it would take no further action in relation to the incident.

The confrontation occurred when Bielik, 28, went to collect a ball from the crowd during the second half. BBC Sport reported that Portsmouth fans made gestures suggesting they believed a supporter had been grabbed by the throat. Footage shared on social media appeared to show Bielik grabbing a young fan around the upper body, the report said.

Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy gave a different account of the circumstances after the match, saying Bielik had been slapped in the face. In the aftermath of the confrontation, another supporter threw a ball at Cardiff defender Perry Ng's head. Both supporters were removed from the ground, according to the BBC's account of the events at Fratton Park.

Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho initially apologised to Cardiff's players after the game. Having subsequently seen footage, he later expressed anger about the position in which he believed he had been placed. BBC Sport said Cardiff had been approached for comment on the latest developments. With the police investigation closed, Bielik still faces the separate FA process and Friday's response deadline.