Dier jumps into stands

Tottenham crash out as Man City, Leicester into FA Cup quarterfinals

TOTTENHAM manager Jose Mourinho defended Eric Dier after the England international stormed into the stands following his side’s FA Cup exit to Norwich yesterday.

Dier climbed over rows of seats to confront a

fan, who had allegedly been involved in an altercation with the players brother.

The incident rounded off a terrible night for Tottenham, who saw another chance of silverware slip away 3-2 on penalties after a 11 draw against the side bottom of the Premier League.

“When someone insults you and your family is there and your family gets involved with somebody who is insulting you, in this case a younger brother, I think

Eric did what we professionals cannot do but, I repeat, probably everyone of us would do,” said Mourinho.

“I am with the player and I understand the player.”

Dier scored his penalty in the shootout, but Erik Lamela, Troy Parrott and Gedson Fernandes missed from the spot to condemn Spurs to a fourth straight defeat in all competitions.

On the prospect of the club taking disciplinary action against Dier, Mourinho added: “If the club does that I will not agree, but he did wrong.”

Jan Vertonghen headed Tottenham into an early lead, but Mourinho’s decision to hand 36-year-old goalkeeper Michel

Vorm his first appearance of the season backfired.

The Dutchman spilt a long-range effort from Kenny McLean and Josip Drmic bundled home the rebound to level 12 minutes from time.

Both sides then tired badly in extra-time, but neither could find a winner and Mourinho again blamed his stretched resources without the injured Harry Kane and Son Heung-min to injury for defeat.

“Some of my players were really in trouble and they made an incredible effort to try,” said Mourinho.

“I don’t have one single negative feeling towards my players. I can cope with negative moments in football, but I feel really sorry for my players."

Norwich will host Derby or Manchester United in their first quarterfinal since 1992. Meanwhile, Manchester City will travel to Newcastle in the last eight after a 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday thanks to Sergio Aguero’s winner.

Leicester also booked their place in the last eight with a much-needed 1-0 win over Birmingham thanks to Ricardo Pereira’s late header. –

AFP