Jose Mourinho says Eric Dier is in the right frame of mind to play for Tottenham against Burnley on Saturday despite a fan altercation after Wednesday’s defeat to Norwich.
The FA is investigating after Dier was filmed and pictured on social media climbing over rows of seats before being involved in a confrontation. Police are aware of the incident, but no complaints or allegations have been made.
“I don’t think there is any reason for him not to be in the right frame of mind,” Mourinho told Sky Sports News.
“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.”
Reports on social media suggested Dier had chosen to enter the crowd after Gedson Fernandes – who missed his penalty in the shootout – was racially abused.
Mourinho suggested Dier had reacted to insults towards a family member at full-time and defended his reaction, although said it was not professional.
“If I saw something happening with my son, I’d do the same,” he said in his press conference on Friday. “I wouldn’t think two seconds about it.
“As professionals, sometimes we have to go through difficult situations but we have to try to cope with it. Everybody understands what happened, everybody has an opinion. I’m happy the football family understands what happened.
(Sky Sports)
