UNACCEPTABLE

Dier slams social media for fuelling abuse culture that’s growing to be ‘massive problem in society’

ERIC DIER has broken his silence on the fan abuse that landed him in hot water with the FA.

Speaking for the first time since a four-match ban after the flashpoint that occurred at a home FA Cup defeat by Norwich in March, the Tottenham star reveals his wider concern at the issue.

It’s not just players being targeted on the pitch by foulmouthed fans, but the hate that pollutes social media.

Dier was found guilty by the FA of threatening behaviour after climbing into the Spurs stands to confront a fan who was allegedly hurling obscenities towards a family member.

Dier said: “It’s a massive problem in society in general because of social media, not just football stadiums, sports stadiums. It’s a problem that needs to be looked at much more seriously. There need to be more repercussions.

“It is being addressed but it needs to be addressed even more.

“I have no problem with anyone criticising my footballing ability at any time but when it’s anything more

CRYSTAL PALACE boss Roy Hodgson has warned Wilfried Zaha that the club will only sell him if it suits them.

Zaha’s current Eagles deal runs until 2023. Hodgson (left) said: “Wilf has made it clear that he would relish a move.

“But he is a very valuable than that then there’s a big problem.”

Spurs boss Jose Mourinho revealed last month that the fan involved had requested a private meeting with Dier to apologise. According to the Portuguese coach, the pair patched up their differences and the reformed individual would be welcome at Tottenham again.

Asked about those talks at the club’s training ground, Dier refused to go into detail.

The 26-year-old added: “I’m not going to risk getting in any more trouble because my views are very strong.”

Dier, though, was more forthcoming regarding his ongoing renaissance with the north Londoners – as a solid, ball-playing central defender. So content with player. The club realises his value and appreciates it, so really it will depend – like it always does – on what offers the club are going to receive.

“Then the club will equate that to the need to keep him – or the need to satisfy his wishes and allow him to go.” life under Mourinho, and the support he received from the club throughout his disciplinary hearing with the FA, he recently agreed an improved four-year deal.

Dier said: “When I signed my new contract, people asked me, ‘But do you really think you can win trophies?’.

“My answer is you don’t know if you’re going to win them or not. But one thing I do know is the manager is going into every competition trying to win them. That’s all you can ask.”

And the England ace is equally chuffed at being used in defence rather than as a holding midfielder.

He said: “For about three years, I’ve seen that as the position I wanted to play. It’s the position I grew up in.”

ROMA midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo is emerging as a leading candidate on Jose Mourinho’s shopping list.

The Italian’s attacking versatility would be an asset for the Tottenham boss – Zaniolo (left) shares some

a Eric Dier received for four-match ban antics after home defeat by Norwich in March STAND AND DELIVER Eric Dier (above) is held back and (below) climbing the stands similarities with Dele Alli – and Roma look likely to be forced to offload first-team players. No official bid is in yet, but Mourinho is “convinced” Spurs WILL improve their squad, and said: “I am not asking for anything that cannot be done.”