How Inter Milan Could Be Punished After Firework Thrown At Cremonese Goalkeeper
The projectile left Emil Audero with a cut and burn mark on his knee.
Inter Milan face a range of sanctions after a supporter threw a firework at the Cremonese goalkeeper.
Inter Milan Supporter Loses Fingers In Firework Incident
Serie A leaders Inter clinched a crucial 2-0 win after goals from Lautaro Martinez and Piotr Zielinski, but the game was marred by an unsavoury incident five minutes into the second half.
The alarming scenes unfolded at the Stadio Zini when a firework was thrown from the away end, which was occupied by 2,436 supporters, on Sunday.
It dropped onto the pitch and exploded next to Emil Audero, the home side’s stopper. Players from both teams rushed to check on him, with the top-flight match brought to a premature stop.
Audero was later seen with a notable cut and burn mark around his knee.
Inter’s players, led by Lautaro Martinez and head coach Cristian Chivu, headed to the travelling contingent to try to restore calm.
Fortunately, Audero was able to get back to his feet after a two-minute delay, allowing the game to continue.
An announcement was made over the loudspeakers, urging supporters not to throw projectiles, and Inter’s squad and staff members did not walk back over to their supporters after full-time.
It has since emerged that the individual who threw the firework was set to lob another before it exploded in his hand. He was taken to hospital after losing several fingers, and is set to be arrested once he is released.
Inter president Giuseppe Marotta declared the incident “senseless and unsporting”, adding: “The authorities are investigating. It appears to have been an isolated act, and the perpetrator will be identified.
“Audero’s professionalism must be emphasised; he immediately got back up and finished the match. But the condemnation must be explicit and comprehensive.”
🥺 This is the scary moment @Inter‘s match at @USCremonese is halted after home ‘keeper Emil Audero is hit by a flare | 🎥 Full H/L 👉🏻 https://t.co/6bEAiJZ2pf pic.twitter.com/CQNYbqhkPa
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_AUS) February 2, 2026
How Inter Milan Could Be Punished
Inter are set to be handed a significant punishment over the coming days.
According to Tuttosport, they will be slapped with a fine of up to €50,000. There is also a risk that the ultras section at the San Siro could be closed ahead of their next home match against Juventus on February 14.
In addition, travelling supporters could also be barred from attending one or more games.
Last month, Napoli and Lazio supporters were banned from away matches after repeated violent skirmishes.
Inter Milan Players Issue Apology
Lautaro Martinez issued a personal apology to Audero, who spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Inter.
“These things can’t happen,” Lautaro told DAZN post-match.
“There’s a personal risk. Footballers are human too. We put on a show that’s watched all over the world, so we have to be careful about these things.
“We apologise to Audero, who was a winner with us when we claimed the second star, and we apologise to all the Cremonese fans. These things must not happen.”
Defender Alessandro Bastoni struck a similarly sombre tone, adding: “It’s neither fair nor humane. These things should never, ever happen.
“There’s already so much violence around every day, and we want to convey a healthy competitive spirit.”
Meanwhile, Inter Milan missed out on Moussa Diaby but remain active on Deadline Day.
Dan Davis
Dan is an experienced sports journalist and part-time lecturer. An expert on Serie A and Italian football, he has produced content for the likes of the Daily Mail, Reach PLC, GiveMeSport, FourFourTwo and GRV Media. While Channel 4's iconic Football Italia was a bit before his time, the nostalgia - and pastries - fuelled his love of all things Calcio.
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