Eric Dier climbed into the Tottenham Stadium stands to confront a supporter following Spurs' FA Cup fifth round tie against Norwich on Wednesday night.
In the post-match press conference, Jose Mourinho explained that a supporter had insulted Dier and that his younger brother had taken issue with it.
"This person insulted Eric," said the Spurs manager.
"The family was there. The young brother was not happy with the situation.
"Eric Dier did something that we professionals cannot do. But in these circumstances, I think every one of us would do.
"When somebody insults you and your family is there, and your family gets involved with the person that is insulting you - in this case a younger brother - I think Eric did what we professionals cannot do.
"But, I repeat, probably every one of us would do. I am with the player and I understand the player."
#ericdier just hurdled some seats next to me in what I thought was going to be a warm embrace / shirt giveaway but apparently he came to punch a fan for racist abuse on Gedson Fernandes. Well done to him! pic.twitter.com/JxvaSgExex
— Edward June (@realedwardjune) March 4, 2020
The incident occurred in an area behind the dugouts which holds a corporate section. Mourinho added that those who populate that section are not all 'real fans'.
"The people that are in these privileged positions by the tunnel, of course some are Tottenham fans," said Mourinho, "but I think a lot of corporate, a lot of invitation, a lot of people with special status [are in there] and probably it is the place of the stadium where I sometimes have doubts if they are the real Tottenham fans. Because these [real fans] are the ones who support the boys until the last."
