Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho expressed fierce frustration after learning that his post-match comments defending an altercation involving defender Krystian Bielik and a Cardiff City supporter were based on inaccurate information provided by match officials. Hampshire Police have since launched an investigation into the common assault of a minor.
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho said he was absolutely furious
after discovering that his immediate reaction to a crowd altercation following Saturday’s victory over Cardiff City relied on flawed accounts given by officials. Bluebirds defender Krystian Bielik became entangled in a physical clash with a fan as he attempted to retrieve a match ball from the stands late in the second half.
Following the fixture, Hampshire Police confirmed that an investigation had been launched into an incident in which a teenage boy was reportedly the victim of a common assault
. Mousinho initially addressed the media by condemning supporter behaviour and apologising to Cardiff City players, but later walked back those statements during his pre-match press conference ahead of a fixture against Charlton.
John Mousinho Reverses Stance After Reviewing Match Footage
I’ve now seen the footage and my comments post-match were entirely based off what I was told,
Mousinho said.
“When the altercation kicked off I couldn’t see it from where I was myself, the referee then spoke to us and his words at the time were very clear that he had seen the incident in its entirety.”
John Mousinho, Portsmouth head coach
According to Mousinho, the referee asserted during the match that a spectator had slapped Bielik as the defender went to retrieve the ball, while a second fan allegedly threw a ball at teammate Perry Ng’s head. However, review of the video evidence painted a different picture, leaving the manager annoyed by the false assurance he received from officials on the pitch.
Fan Reaction and Ongoing Regulatory Inquiries
Mousinho acknowledged that his post-match comments drew a negative backlash from the Pompey fanbase, many of whom witnessed supporters making gestures indicating belief that the fan had actually been grabbed by the throat rather than merely assaulted.
My first reaction having seen it back was that I was absolutely furious having been put in that position,
Mousinho added. What actually transpired is something that I need to sort out between myself and the referees’ association which I’m trying to do.
Pro Ref, the governing body overseeing all Premier League, English Football League, and Football Association competitions, has been approached for comment regarding the match officials’ accounts. Meanwhile, authorities maintain that the police inquiry into the assault of a minor remains active, limiting further public commentary from club officials regarding the specifics of the altercation.
Keep reading
