Three Premier League players who had an altercation with the fans
Eric Dier is not the first player to have a run-in with the fans and won’t necessarily be the last. We take a look at some of the other players who have done so in the Premiership and what they did.
1. Alan Smith
The scenes of Alan Smith crying and kissing the Leeds badge in 2004 was one of the enduring images of the English giants’ relegation into the Championship. He was, however, a volatile figure who showed the ability to rile up his own fans as much as opponent players.
In a league cup match against arch-rivals Manchester United in 2003, a fan chucked a bottle at United winger Christopher Eagles. The event took a darker turn when Smith picked up the bottle and threw it back into the crowd at the supporter.
His poor aim ensured that it was another fan who got hit by the bottle. This unfortunate fan was injured and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.
Smith went on to make a public apology and was banned by the FA for two matches as punishment. He was also arrested for his actions but escaped prosecution after the Crown Prosecution Service advised West Yorkshire Police not to charge the footballer with any criminal offense.
He would go on to become a hated figure in the eyes of Leeds fans after he joined arch-rivals Manchester United the following summer.
2. Craig Bellamy
The Manchester Derby has its own set of fights. The situation only got worse after City’s rise under the Sheikhs. The Manchester Derby at Old Trafford in 2009 was one to remember for both the right and wrong reasons.
A well-contested lash was tied at 3-3 going into stoppage time. Michael Owen had other ideas and scored a late winner to win the game 4-3 at the death. Old Trafford erupted and a United fan ran onto the pitch. Although the stewards had the issue under control, Craig Bellamy went up to the fan and slapped him around the cheeks.
The Welshman was investigated by both the FA and the Manchester City Police. The FA, however, did not go ahead with pressing charges as match referee Mark Atkinson spoke in the player’s favour. Paul Clarke, the supporter, however, ended up with a three-year ban.
3. Eric Cantona
The most famous of incidents involving fans and players in the Premier League and it coincidentally involves another Eric. Manchester United went into the game at Selhurst knowing a win will take them top of the Premier League as the Red Devils chased a third straight league title.
They eventually drew 1-1 to stay second but the match is remembered for Eric Cantona kicking a Palace supporter in the stands whilst walking to the tunnel after being sent off.
Cantona’s night was already ruined after he received a red card for his kick on Richard Shaw. On his way down the tunnel, a Palace supporter, Matthew Simmons, passed expletives at the Frenchman, who repaid the fan with a kung fu kick in front of a shocked stadium.
It led to him being sent to jail for 14 days for assault before it was later reduced to 120 hours of community service. He also got a nine-month ban and was fined £20,000.
