Amidst the fall-out of Tottenham’s shock FA Cup fifth round exit to Norwich in mid-week, the big talking point of course, was Eric Dier’s altercation with sections of his own fans.
The England international could be seen vaulting rows of stairs before getting into a verbal confrontation, and reports since then have claimed that he was attempting to defend his brother.
In the aftermath of the game, Jose Mourinho admitted that whilst Dier was in the wrong, he could understand why the midfielder took the action that he did.
Watch Tottenham Hotspur Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
It was quite the protective stance from the Portuguese man, but his pre-match comments ahead of Spurs’ clash against Burnley on Saturday, raises a few eye-brows.
“I don’t think there is any reason for him not to be in the right frame of mind. He played two matches so well, played so well in a back three against Wolves, in a back four against Norwich. What happened was clear, almost nothing happened, so I think so. Especially before I arrive he wasn’t playing much, he has to play tomorrow. We go with him again.”
Just a mere few days after an incident that no doubt would have left Dier shook, Mourinho has indicated that he is ready to throw him into the deep end away at Turf Moor.
Professional demands aside, the midfielder must surely be given an opportunity to let things simmer down. For Mourinho to claim that there isn’t any reason for him to not be in the “right frame of mind” is questionable at best, and foolish at worst.
Just like everyone else, Dier remains a human being first and foremost. Throwing him into the intensity of a game straight after he felt the need to rush to his brother’s aid to stop some of his own club’s fans, is rather short-sighted.
Mourinho is in real danger of throwing the £27m-rated ace to the wolves. There are far more important things than football, and the Spurs boss would do well to remember his priorities.
Meanwhile, Spurs fans slate Jose Mourinho over this starlet.