Eric Dier has been blasted as a “loose cannon” by former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy after he climbed into the stands to confront a fan.
Dier vaulted the advertising hoardings and 10 rows of seats to approach a supporter immediately after Tottenham’s FA Cup exit against Norwich last week.
The midfielder was running to the aid of his younger brother after he challenged a supporter who was allegedly aiming abuse at Dier.
Murphy said listening to verbal abuse is an occupational hazard for footballers, but said it is not acceptable for players to take matters into their own hands.
He said the best way for any player to respond to abuse from the crowd is with their performance on the pitch.
“I never had a team-mate march into the stands like Dier but Jamie Carragher did once throw a coin back into the crowd against Arsenal ,” Murphy told the Mail .
“Of course, it was totally wrong for someone to throw an object on to the pitch but I think even Jamie would agree now that responding like that, and potentially injuring an innocent party himself, wouldn’t have helped. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
“My attitude was shout what you want, I will turn you around with my performances. I was booed off the pitch once for Liverpool, the club I loved, but didn’t moan, even though I was devastated. I took it on the chin and scored against Manchester United the following week.
“I’m sorry, I just don’t get Eric going up there like a loose cannon. I don’t believe players should take it upon themselves to have a ding-dong with fans.”
(Image: Action Images via Reuters / Ed Sykes)
Murphy added: “If supporters go to the match as a break from the other difficulties of life, they do view it as a place where they can vent frustrations. As a footballer, get on with the game, do your job.”
The 42-year-old stressed he was not talking about racist or homophobic comments, saying they “pose a wider threat to society compared to something personal”.
