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Eric Dier has been banned for four matches after an independent panel ruled it was not his sole intention to protect his brother when he entered the stands after Tottenham\u2019s FA Cup exit to Norwich and that his behavior was \u201cobjectively threatening\u201d.<\/p>\n
The England international has also been fined \u00a340,000 by the Football Association following a charge of misconduct, which resulted from the incident on March 4.<\/p>\n
Dier, whose team had just lost a penalty shootout, saw his brother involved in an altercation with a fan and raced to his aid. There was no physical exchange and the matter was not pursued by the Metropolitan Police after a brief investigation.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old accepted the misconduct charge, but denied his behavior was threatening and argued his intention was only to protect his brother Patrick.<\/p>\n
The spectator involved told police in a statement that he was acting like \u201can idiot\u201d and did not feel threatened.<\/p>\n
However, the panel chose not to believe the statement, which was not released by police and had to be communicated to the process via Dier\u2019s solicitor, instead deciding the fan was scared based on video footage.<\/p>\n
The fan was shown racing towards an exit as Dier climbed the stands, while another piece of footage, which appears pivotal in the case, captured Dier going towards the fan rather than his brother.<\/p>\n
The written reasons from the panel in the case read: \u201cWe are quite satisfied on the balance of probabilities, that Eric Diers\u2019s conduct in (1) chasing the spectator through the well populated stand; (2) passing through supporters; (3) causing some to move out of his way; (4) over the distance; (5) for the time; and (6) in the manner he did, was objectively threatening.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe appreciate some filmed the incident and others simply watched. But, that of itself does not prevent it being, when viewed objectively, threatening.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis conduct caused or contributed to the spectator fleeing. It is also no doubt why a number of people held him back from exit 103 and stopped him from pursuing the fleeing spectator.<\/p>\n
\u201cEric Dier\u2019s conduct may not have been threatening to those holding him back, but we are satisfied it was threatening towards the spectator, and also when viewed objectively.\u201d<\/p>\n
The panel ruled that the aggravating factors included the distance Dier traveled through a stand heavily populated by spectators, pursuing the spectator after he had moved away and posed no threat to Dier\u2019s brother and that he is a high-profile footballer.<\/p>\n
Dier said in a statement during the disciplinary process: \u201cI instinctively jumped over the barrier and began climbing the rows of seats towards Patrick and the three men.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll that was going through my mind was that I must protect Patrick. In hindsight I feel even more responsible for his safety. He had gone to the game to support me, and he had become upset by the personal abuse being yelled at me, and that had led him into this situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt no point did I say or do anything in a threatening way. Had I reached the supporter and the other two men at any time, my priority was to get to Patrick and get him away from the situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cHad I had the opportunity I would have also asked the supporter why he was abusing me in that manner.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have never had any problem with strong criticism of me as a footballer from the stands and football is all about opinions; that is one of the reasons I love it so much. However, any kind of abuse which is personal and vitriolic I find unacceptable and would be unacceptable anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
The punishment, which rules Dier out for all but one of Spurs\u2019 remaining Premier League games this season, is sure to enrage boss Jose Mourinho, who has defended his player on the matter from the off.<\/p>\n
He recently said that he did not expect Dier to receive any punishment after the FA chose not to sanction Arsenal\u2019s Matteo Guendouzi for grabbing Brighton striker Neal Maupay around the neck.<\/p>\n
Dier\u2019s absence will be a blow for Spurs in their pursuit of European football next season as he has been an impressive performer in central defense since the season restarted last month.<\/p>\n