TOTTENHAM and England star Eric Dier climbed into a stand at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and confronted fans after Spurs crashed out of the FA Cup on penalties.
Jose Mourinho later alleged the altercation was to do with his “younger brother” – with Dier now set to face a Football Association investigation.
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
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
Numerous videos circulated on social media showing Dier sensationally clamber into the West Stand lower at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
Dier could be seen leaving the pitch, leaping over advertising hoardings and then climbing seating to make his way towards a section of supporters inside the stadium.
The altercation took place just minutes after Mourinho’s side crashed out of the fifth round against Norwich City on penalties.
An alleged altercation is said to have taken place between fans and Dier’s brother.
Video footage appeared to show a supporter goad Dier with offensive gestures with Dier heading towards him, before the fan exits the stadium.
In a video from another angle, a close up shot of Dier shows the England star screaming: “He’s my brother!”
Mourinho condemned Dier’s actions in his press conference.
The Portuguese 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
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.”
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
