Cardiff’s Bielik banned over Portsmouth incident

The Football Association has issued a two-match ban and a £10,000 fine to Cardiff City defender Krystian Bielik after he admitted to a misconduct charge. The sanction stems from an altercation with Portsmouth supporters during Cardiff's 2-0 Championship loss at Fratton Park on September 5. Bielik will miss upcoming league fixtures against Blackburn Rovers and Watford.

The incident took place around the 71st minute as Bielik attempted to retrieve a ball from the crowd. While Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy claimed Bielik was slapped, social media footage appeared to show the defender grabbing a supporter's upper body. Hampshire Police investigated the matter and took no further action after Bielik issued an apology.