Eric Dier has credited the support he received from England boss Gareth Southgate following the incident against Norwich City in the FA Cup last season.
The Spurs player climbed into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium stands to confront an abusive fan after his team’s FA Cup penalty-shootout.
Spurs’ boss Joe Mourinho claimed at the time Dier reacted to verbal provocation towards him and his family who were present at the match, after he had scaled seats in the lower tier of the main stand before stewards intervened (Metro).
Dier was later given a four-match ban and fined £40,000 by the Football Association after he was found to be in breach of FA Rule E3 of misconduct (Times).
The central defender revealed that he has greatly appreciated not only the backing he had from Southgate in relation to the Norwich incident but also during his battle with injury and health issues over the past two seasons.
“I got a fantastic amount of support from Gareth, my family, other players I know from England squads and within my team as well,” Dier said about what he has faced over the past two seasons, as quoted by the Evening Express.
“I was very lucky to have a fantastic support base and I am very grateful to Gareth for the support he has given me, even with my incident with the FA as well.
“I am very grateful for that and very lucky to be supported by many great people in different areas.”
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