Dier craves fan-tastic reunion
ERIC DIER would love for peace and harmony to break out between fans and players post-coronavirus.
Yet the Tottenham star – suspended for four games last season after confronting one of his club’s fans in the stands – doubts there will be any dramatic improvement.
The hope is that previously abusive fans will be less inclined to target players after being unable to attend games since the Covid-19 outbreak.
Asked if he envisages a positive shift in that respect when crowds are finally allowed back inside stadiums, Dier’s response was mixed.
Yes, he is relishing the prospect of performing at packed-out grounds as soon as possible.
Yes, he feels there will be greater mutual respect among fans and players amid the relief and joy to be watching live action again.
But, at the same time, Dier is equally certain the hateful elements that have long tarnished our Beautiful
Game will remain prevalent. The England defender, who faces Belgium in the UEFA Nations League tonight, said: “It’s always going to exist.
“The atmosphere in stadiums when fans get back will be incredible. I can’t wait. I think there will be a little change in dynamic from our side and their side, having gone through this very difficult time.
“We’ll appreciate how much we both need each other.
“But unfortunately, I think those types of things will always exist.”
One future occasion where fans inside Wembley will be vital is England’s Euro 2021 group clash against bitter rivals Scotland. Steve
Clarke’s men secured their place in the finals with a shootout victory in Serbia on Thursday.
And Dier, 26, said: “We all know the history between England and Scotland – it is going to be a fantastic game. I really hope there can be fans there to witness it because I was lucky enough to play a few years ago in Scotland and the atmosphere was one of the best I’ve played in.” As Harry Kane prepares to play his 50th game for his country, Dier looked ahead to reaching the milestone. Ahead of his 44th cap in Leuven tonight, he said: “It’d be amazing but I’m not looking that far ahead. “I have a lot of work to do to get to that point.”