TOTTENHAM have claimed they are close to identifying the fan who aimed “horrendous” abuse at Eric Dier and rowed with the Spurs star’s brother in sensational scenes last night.
The England man, 26, leapt over advertising hoardings and raced up the West Stand after Tottenham lost to Norwich on penalties in the FA Cup.
Eric Dier is pictured climbing into the stands to confront fans in sensational scenes
The Tottenham and England midfielder was confronting supporters over an alleged incident involving his brother (left)Credit: Twitter
Dier was pictured and filmed arguing with supporters in the home endCredit: Rex Features
The incident came just minutes after Tottenham crashed out of the FA Cup on penaltiesCredit: Rex Features
A source revealed the fan had been screaming “horrendous” abuse in the direction of Dier.
His younger brother, Patrick – who was seated nearby – then tried to calm the man down.
It is believed the pair got into a heated exchange and the Three Lions star jumped into the stands to protect his sibling.
Numerous videos showed Dier leaving the pitch and then climbing 20 ROWS to make his way towards a section of supporters inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
It is thought to be the area where the players’ friends and family have their tickets.
The England international clambered over rows of seats and waded past supporters – most of whom scattered to let him pass.
But then as he got closer to the incident, Dier could be heard shouting “he’s my brother” as he was restrained by supporters and stewards.
If the club discipline Eric Dier I would not agree with it, but what he did was wrong
Jose Mourinho
Footage appeared to show a man goad the defender with offensive gestures as Dier headed towards him, before the fan exits the stadium.
The player was then ushered out through a door at the back of the stand.
It is not clear what sparked the row and if the supporter involved is a Spurs fan.
The FA are now investigating the incident.
They will speak to Spurs stewards and fans nearby for their observations.
Dier is likely to face a misconduct charge for leaving the pitch area.
He is likely to be charged and will face a small ban and potentially a fine.
But the FA could be lenient towards him due to the circumstances surrounding his family and thanks to their strong anti-abuse stance.
Eric, one of six children in the Dier clan, has two younger brothers, Edward and Patrick.
They have three sisters Daisy, Steffi and Francesca.
And it is believed to be Patrick that was involved in the bust-up and then invited into the dressing room after the clash.
Spurs have already identified the fan and launched an investigation while a Metropolitan Police statement read: “Police are aware of an incident following the conclusion of the Tottenham v Norwich match on Wednesday, 4 March where a player entered the crowd. No complaints or allegations have been received at this time.”
It is not clear what sparked the row and if the supporter involved is a Tottenham fan, but the club are NOT expected to take any action against Dier.
The altercation took place just minutes after Jose Mourinho’s side crashed out of the fifth round against the Premier League’s bottom side on penalties.
The Portuguese manager later condemned Dier’s actions in his press conference.
He said: “I don’t think that belongs to the game. The game was a fantastic representation of the FA Cup, but I cannot run away from the question.
“I think Eric Dier did what we as professionals cannot do but when someone insults you and your family is involved, especially your younger brother.”
In one video, Dier could be heard shouting ‘he’s my brother’Credit: Rex Features
Dier was eventually taken away from that section of the stadium by stewards and security staffCredit: Rex Features
Eric, pictured as a youngster with brother Eddie and sister Francesca, reportedly brought his sibling to the dressing room following the bust-upCredit: Instagram @ ericdier15
Dier, snapped at a family wedding in 2017, was taken through a door at the back of the standCredit: Instagram @ ericdier15
He added: “This person insulted Eric, the younger brother was not happy with the situation and Eric was not happy. We as professionals cannot do what he did.
“If the club discipline Eric Dier I would not agree with it, but what he did was wrong.”
Initially, there were reports Dier stepped in after racial abuse aimed at team-mate Gedson Fernandes, who had his decisive spot-kick saved.
Other images showed Dier being held back by stewards before being taken away from the area.
Tottenham are yet to comment on the incident.
Mourinho also criticised that section of the stadium for not housing “real Tottenham fans”.
“The people that are in these privileged positions by the tunnel,” he added.
“Of course some are Tottenham fans but I think a lot of corporate, a lot of invitation, a lot of people with special status and probably it’s the place of the stadium where I sometimes have doubts over if they are the real Tottenham fans because these are the ones who support the boys until the last.”
The scenes were reminiscent of Manchester United legend Eric Cantona ‘kung fu kicking’ a Crystal Palace fan at Selhurst Park in January 1995 – although Dier didn’t get close to that level of violence.
The Frenchman had been told to “F*** off back to France, you French b******” by Matthew Simmons, who ran down 11 rows to confront him.
Cantona was eventually banned from football for eight months and fined £30,000.
The football world was left shocked by Dier’s actions.
Jose Mourinho reacts to Eric Dier incident saying he was helping his younger brother during altercation
Spurs boss Jose Mourinho later said Dier did something professionals ‘cannot do’Credit: Reuters
Tim Krul was the Norwich hero as the Canaries dumped Tottenham out of the FA CupCredit: Getty Images
Social media was flooded with posts about the England man’s sensational actions.
There were a number of rumours that Dier was defending racist abuse from a fan directed at Gedson Fernandes – who missed the crucial penalty – but there is no suggestion that is what took place.
Fans offered their “respect” to Dier for defending his family.
Yasiin Bey wrote: “If a fan insulted my younger brother I might have to fight him too, respect Dier, respect, respect.”
JCxlli added: “So Eric Dier was jumping into the stands to defend his brother who was sticking up for Dier.
“Respect to him for backing his brother but surely he knew this will just lead to a massive ban for jumping into the stands.”
And Pete Borota said: “Respect to Eric Dier, family first.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
