DIER NEED TO SUPPORT FIGHT AGAINST RACISM

ERIC DIER says it must be a “no-brainer” for all players to speak out against racist abuse.

The Tottenham defender, 27, has offered support to team-mates who have suffered from discrimination online.

But he insists the only ways to tackle the issue are to report it and also educate the next generation.

The Premier League is reinforcing its No Room For Racism campaign to try to find ways to stamp out the scourge.

England international Dier (below) said: “It’s extremely important to report it. For me it’s a no-brainer.

“Nobody should have to be going through anything like this and no one should have to be suffering any kind of discrimination or racism, ever.

“If anybody is ever suffering from racism or discrimination you should confront it straight away.

“I’ve been in situations where things have happened and you’re there for someone afterwards.

“Team-mates of mine have been discriminated against online and

I’ve been there for them in that kind of situation, where you are reacting to it after the act.

“But I don’t think I have ever been involved in anything in the moment.

“It’s something that you don’t want anybody to ever go through. If anyone can be of support in any way, I think it’s the obvious thing to do.”

Dier believes targeting the next generation is vital in the fight against racism so they never see people as being different.

He added: “I want to focus on the way we bring up young people in this country because that’s where you can make the real difference.

“We have to educate them in the right way so they have a clear understanding that we’re all the

same.”