Expert explains thinking behind Krystian Bielik punishment as Portsmouth fans fume

Cardiff City defender Krystian Bielik has been punished for his altercation with a Portsmouth fan.

The incident happened in Pompey's 2-0 win over the Welsh side at Fratton Park in September.

Bielik was at the centre of a flashpoint involving a young supporter in the home end.

Tempers boiled over when the Poland international attempted to retrieve the ball, with footage appearing to show him grab the fan by the neck.

The fan himself retaliated and was escorted out, with Hampshire Police looking into the matter but deciding no further action was needed.

However, the Football Association has now concluded its own investigation, with an announcement made on Tuesday afternoon.

What punishment has Krystian Bielik been given?

Bielik was charged with misconduct for his part in the altercation.

It has now been confirmed the centre-back has been given a two-game ban and fined £10,000.

The FA stated via its announcement that Bielik had admitted to the charge.

Portsmouth fans reacted angrily to that announcement via X.

One questioned how the ban was less than if Bielik had been sent off for serious conduct on the field.

Another pointed out: "Handle the ball into the net, two matches. Assault a child in the stand, two matches. Make it make sense."

That was in reference to West Brom's Aune Heggebo being hit with a retrospective ban for scoring a goal via his arm in a game this season.

"A two match suspension is a joke; violent conduct is three," another stated.

So why was the ban for Bielik so lenient all things considered?

Keith Hackett explains thinking behind Bielik ban

Former head of PGMOL Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Pompey News, explained just that.

"Clearly, the player admitting his guilt has swayed the Disciplinary Panel to deliver what appears to be a rather lenient fine and suspension," he said.

"We are still not fully aware of the actions of the fan, which will also have been taken into consideration."

As Hackett says, someone admitting to an offence can often help with the punishment.

Even still, the fact Bielik will miss just two matches simply does not sit right with supporters.