Football
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Tottenham's Dele Alli will learn lessons after Europa League red card - Eric Dier

Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier says the moment of rashness that saw Dele Alli sent off against Gent in the Europa League will not be his last.

Alli was sent off for a dangerous challenge as 10-man Spurs drew 2-2 at Wembley and crashed out of the Europa League.

However, the 20-year-old responded by keeping his cool and scoring in the emphatic 4-0 win against Stoke at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino said after the game he had given Alli "more love than normal" following his red card, and Dier said he believed his teammate had shown his strength of character.

"He has to expect that from players like Stoke have, experienced players who have been around the block -- he needs to expect players will irritate him, try to get in his head," Dier said.

"But he knows that and he handles it very well. It's only normal he will get better at it over time.

"He is very young and that [the red card challenge against Gent] won't be the last mistake he makes.

"He will make more mistakes and the most important thing is he learns from them and reacts in the right way, and he does."

Dier said Alli had been "very disappointed" after the sending off, but added: "I don't think it fazes him. He played his game and scored a goal, and everyone will forget about what happened on Thursday."

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