Eric Dier: Tottenham midfielder given four-match ban for confronting fan

Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier has been given a four-match ban and fined £40,000 for climbing over seats to confront a fan after a match in March.

Dier denied his behaviour was “threatening” and told a hearing he was protecting his brother

The incident happened after Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup at home by Norwich.

The Football Association ban rules the 26-year-old out of all but one of Tottenham’s remaining Premier League fixtures.

Dier has also been warned about his future conduct by the FA.

A statement said: “The Tottenham player admitted that his actions at the conclusion of a fixture against Norwich City in the FA Cup were improper but denied that they were also threatening.

“An independent regulatory commission subsequently found Eric Dier’s actions to be threatening.”

The incident occurred on 4 March in the fifth-round tie following a penalty shootout in which Dier scored, but Spurs eventually lost.

Speaking at the time, Spurs manager Jose Mourinho said a fan had insulted Dier after the game.

Following the announcement the Portuguese boss refused to comment on the ban to avoid “getting into trouble” but did confirm that the club would not be appealing.

“If you appeal you have other risks. At least let’s start next season without a suspension,” Mourinho added.

“We all know how it works with the FA decisions. I don’t think we will appeal.”

What happened and how did the FA come to its ruling?

Dier jumped over the pitchside barriers into the stand at the end of the game. He made a beeline for a fan and clambered over seats until he reached the top row of seats in front of the hospitality boxes.

Another video shows him being restrained by fans and security, while shouting “he’s my brother”. He is then led away by security with his arm around a fan.

The fan later said in a statement to the police, who took no action following an investigation, that he had “been an idiot”.

Dier, who has 40 England caps, argued during the hearing that his actions did not deserve a football ban as he just wanted to “protect” his brother Patrick who he believed was “in trouble”, but the panel disagreed.

In a written statement, the independent regulatory panel outlined a number of aggravating factors:

• The stand was heavily populated by spectators.
• Dier travelled an appreciable distance for a not insignificant period of time trying to reach the spectator – it was a determined and sustained attempt to get to the spectator.
• He pursued the spectator after he had desisted and moved away.
• He pursued the spectator when he knew he posed no threat to his brother.
• Dier’s actions caused some pushing and shoving in the stands
• Dier’s actions resulted in a melee at the entrance of exit 103.
• He is a high-profile footballer, whose conduct was witnessed by many within the ground and countless others more widely.-bbc.com