Tottenham’s Eric Dier banned for 4 matches
In a major blow for Tottenham, Eric Dier and Jose Mourinho, the England international has today been served with a 4-match ban by the FA.
Dier was charged by the FA with threatening behaviour after he confronted a supporter in the stands in an FA Cup tie against Norwich City in March.
Almost five months later, the FA have finally issued their verdict: Dier will be suspended for four matches with immediate effect.
Was Eric Dier behaviour vs Norwich ‘threatening’?
So why has Dier been punished so severely?
The FA have confirmed that Dier “admitted that his actions at the conclusion of a fixture against Norwich City FC in The FA Cup on 04 March 2020 were improper but denied that they were also threatening.”
Dier reportedly ran into the crowd to protect his brother, who had received abuse in the stands.
Yet, the FA’s independent Regulatory Commission didn’t agree with Dier, and they “found (his) actions to be threatening.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur is seen speaking to Tottenham Hotspur fans in the stands following his teams defeat in the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 04, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
What else did the FA reveal about what happened with Dier vs Norwich?
The commission heard that Dier’s brother, Patrick, said a spectator was calling Dier “w*nker” and “f**king c**t” after the defeat to Norwich.
It was agreed that footage of the incident was consistent with this claim.
Also, Dier and the spectator were interviewed by police.
The spectator expressing remorse for his actions in his interview, and no further action was taken.
It’s also worth noting that England manager Gareth Southgate spoke up in Dier’s defence.
#thfc England manager Gareth Southgate provided an unsolicited character reference to support Dier’s case.
— Dan Kilpatrick (@Dan_KP) July 8, 2020
Dier is out vs Bournemouth, Arsenal, Newcastle & Leicester
In recent weeks, Dier have been receiving positive reviews as Mourinho has shifted him to centre-half.
Dier has been keeping Jan Vertonghen out the team as he’s formed a partnership with Davidson Sanchez.
However, after today’s ruling, Dier will now miss upcoming games against Bournemouth, Arsenal, Newcastle and Leicester in the Premier League.
The FA explain Eric Dier’s ban
[1/4] Eric Dier has been suspended for four matches with immediate effect, fined £40,000 and warned as to his future conduct following a breach of FA Rule E3. pic.twitter.com/zQBzWAxn3h
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) July 8, 2020
[2/4] The Tottenham Hotspur FC player admitted that his actions at the conclusion of a fixture against Norwich City FC in The FA Cup on 04 March 2020 were improper but denied that they were also threatening.
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) July 8, 2020
[3/4] An independent Regulatory Commission subsequently found Eric Dier’s actions to be threatening.
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) July 8, 2020
[4/4] The independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the decision and sanction are available here: https://t.co/wErdOVS7zR.
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) July 8, 2020
Also see: Manchester City vs Newcastle United live streaming & betting tips.
Sheffield United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers live streaming & betting tips.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Liverpool FC live streaming & betting tips.
