Ex-PGMOL chief: Cardiff star Krystian Bielik set for 'substantial' ban after latest video footage emerges

Cardiff City star Krystian Bielik is facing a huge ban after footage appeared to show him grabbing a young Portsmouth fan by the neck in his team's 2-0 defeat at Fratton Park on Saturday.

That is the opinion of former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

Cardiff were 2-0 down after goals from Conor Shaughnessy and Marezi, when the 28-year-old appeared to be involved in an incident with a fan.

Camera replays showed that the Portsmouth fan, appearing to be a young man with his mum, had thrown the ball away from Bielik before he was grabbed by the throat.

A recent example of a player banned for an incident involving a fan came when Preston North End midfielder Jordan Thompson was banned for three matches for hitting a Norwich City supporter with a bottle he had kicked.

On the face of it, Bielik's apparent offence would seem to be far more serious.

Krystian Bielik would have received a 'red card'

Staggeringly, Bielik had already been on a yellow card when the incident took place, but was not sent off.

The former Arsenal man was substituted in the 90th minute, but can now expect investigation to be taking place elsewhere.

"This is a very serious incident that I am sure will be thoroughly investigated," Hackett told Football Insider.

"A player even though he may be frustrated by the actions of this young supporter cannot lay his hands on him. The video shows a fan indicating that the player has grabbed the young fan around the neck.

"Had the match officials seen this then they would have been in a position to red card the offender. It will now be the subject of a thorough investigation with safeguarding issues likely to come into play.

"If this player is found guilty I expect the suspension and fine to be substantial. The player is then likely to attend a course on safeguarding."

How long may Bielik be banned for?

Should Bielik be found guilty of violent conduct for Saturday's incident, he can expect a strong punishment.

The most famous case of violence between a player and a fan came when Eric Cantona kicked a Crystal Palace supporter in 1995.

The Frenchman was suspended for nine months and was subject to a criminal investigation, eventually receiving a sentence that was converted to community service.

While Bielik is unlikely to face a punishment of that extent, the defender has certainly opened himself up to significant action.