By now, you’ve probably seen the video of England midfielder, Eric Dier confronting a fan after Tottenham were knocked out of the FA Cup at home by Norwich.
Eric Dier moments of madness in vaulting into the strands was sparked after he spotted his brother with a Tottenham fan who was trying to get the player’s attention from the stands.
The 26-year-old shocked supporters. He leaped up the rows of the West Stand after Spurs’ penalty shoutout defeat by Norwich in the FA Cup.
After Spurs staff dragged Dier away, he and his brother moved down to the dressing room where the club chiefs tried to get to the bottom of what had occurred.
Dier initially ignored the gestures and abuse he received from the home stands. The Tottenham’s utility man was heading for the tunnel when he saw the fan in question shouting abuse in his direction.
However, Dier only decided to get involved when he saw his younger brother involved in a melee. After taking a second glance, he headed for the supporter by leaping into the stands.
Dier was able to fish out the fan dressed in a black and orange coat. He knew he sat close to the family. The 26-year-old wanted to protect his younger brother badly and so he charged for the man.
Dier bypassed stewards, to confront the supporter who has now been identified.
Not the first time for players to confront fans.
Granit Xhaka
In 2019, Xhaka caused a major upset after swearing at his fans as he left the pitch. He didn’t confront one particular fan or group of fans. But, he could be seen swearing and then cupping his ear to boos.
Neymar
Earlier last year, Neymar was banned for three matches by the French Football authorities after he lashed out at a fan. While walking up the steps to collect his runner’s up medal, the Brazilian was confronted by a fan. He pushed his phone away and then raised an arm to the man’s face.
Sergio Aguero
Manchester City had suffered a defeat by Wigan Athletic in February 2018. A number of Latics fans invaded the pitch after the game and it got pretty ugly between one fan and Sergio Aguero.
The striker pushed the supporter and later claimed he was spat and sworn at.
Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra’s stint with Marseille was short-lived. Before a Europa League game at Victoria had started, a video showed Evra and players rushing over to the advertising hoardings where some of their fans had managed to get close to the pitch. Evra then kicked one of the fans in the head and was shown a red card.
So, in your opinion, having heard all these, do you think what Dier did was right?