Abuse from spectators is a massive problem: Dier

Tottenham Hotspur's Eric Dier says the culture of abuse from spectators in football is a massive problem and authorities need to take stricter action against offenders.

Dier was banned for four games and fined over a confrontation with a fan after Spurs' defeat by Norwich City in the FA Cup fifth round in March. Following a penalty shootout, video showed Dier climbing over seats and confronting a supporter before being restrained by security guards and fans.

"It's a massive problem," the England international said. "It's a massive problem in society in general because of social media, football stadiums, sports stadiums in general. It needs to be looked at much more seriously and there needs to be much more repercussions. It is being addressed, but it needs to be addressed even more.

"I have no problem with anyone criticising my footballing ability at any time, but when it's anything more than that then there is a big problem."

Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha has called on social media platforms to identify users who use racist abuse after he was targeted this month while Borussia Dortmund's new signing Jude Bellingham was also subjected to racist abuse in recent weeks.