Eric Dier blasts Ander Herrera for 'dirty tactics'

England v Spain - International Friendly : News Photo
Dier was not happy with Herrera’s antics on the field

Tottenham Hotspur holding midfielder, Eric Dier, has slammed Manchester United’s Ander Herrera for his antics against him. The two faced each other in England’s clash against Spain, which the latter barely managed to draw thanks to a 95th-minute equaliser from Isco.

While Gareth Southgate’s men did a commendable job against the former world champions, the defender-turned-midfielder, Dier, wasn’t happy with the former Real Zaragoza man for elbowing him.

Dier said, "I think it's pretty obvious. I don't care if someone kicks me or something like that but I've made a pass and it was a long time afterwards.”

The midfielder then went on to label the elbow as “ridiculous” and has blasted the former Athletic Bilbao man for playing the card of ignorance over the issue, "He's elbowed me in the face and I just can't see why. It's ridiculous. He's saying he didn't do it but if you watch it I think it's pretty clear what he did. I can feel it on my cheek now so I know what he did."

Also read: Ander Herrera's rising importance to Manchester United

The two could once again face each other within a month’s time and it seems as though Dier isn’t looking forward to facing him again. While the Tottenham man accepted that he doesn’t mind being made the subject of rough tackles, he absolutely despises unnecessary and dirty antics such as the ones the Manchester United midfielder displayed last night.

"I don't like that kind of stuff. I don't mind people kicking each other at times and stuff but that's just dirty and not needed.”

The former Sporting starlet then went on to say that he doesn’t expect any apology from the Spaniard since these things are a common aspect of football.

"He doesn't need to apologise, I'll see him soon. It's football, these things happen. I don't know why he did it, that's why I was angry. It was strange and it's not nice."

Both Eric Dier and Ander Herrera have been important figures for their respective clubs. While Dier has moulded himself as one of the sturdiest guardians of the Spurs backline, Ander’s tenacity has caught the eyes of Jose Mourinho as the self-proclaimed Special One seems to be favouring the Spaniard in recent games.

The North London club made a brilliant start to the season before going on a streak of draws to end up in the 5th spot after 11 round of fixtures. Meanwhile, United sit just behind them at 6th after playing the same number of games.

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