Fan confrontation: Dier facing ban after being hit with FA charge
Eric Dier is facing a lengthy ban after being hit with an FA misconduct charge.
Tottenham midfielder Dier climbed into the stand to confront a fan who was having a row with his brother after their FA Cup exit to Norwich last month.
Dier has until May 8 to respond and it is understood he will put forward his mitigating circumstances and Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has already put forward a robust defence of his player.
However, if Dier is found guilty or he accepts the charge then his punishment will be decided by an independent panel and, even though there is no set sanction or tariff in the law book, it would most likely result in a hefty suspension.
The Football Association has now pressed ahead with the case after the Metropolitan Police did not press charges despite launching an investigation into the incident.
Dier spotted a row taking place in the family section, climbed up several rows of seats to intervene and had to be separated by stewards and other fans.
Mourinho said at the time: “I think Eric Dier did something that we professionals cannot do but in these circumstances every one of us would do.
“Because when somebody insults you, and your family is there, and you get involved with the person that is insulting you, in this case a younger brother, I think Eric did what we professionals cannot do.”
A statement from the FA read: “Eric Dier has been charged with misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E3.
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“It is alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder’s actions at the conclusion of the Emirates FA Cup fixture against Norwich City FC on Wednesday, March 4 2020 were improper and/or threatening. Eric Dier has until Friday, May 8 2020 to provide a response.”
Dier’s team-mate Dele Alli is still waiting for the outcome of another charge. Alli was charged by the FA on February 26 for misconduct after he posted an ill-advised video on Snapchat about coronavirus a fortnight earlier and the case is still ongoing.