Firework Fallout: Inter Milan Faces Sanctions After Cremonese Incident

Incident and possible sanctions

Referee analyst Luca Marilli commented on the expected sanctions for Inter Milan after the incident where Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero was hit by a firecracker that exploded during Sunday's Serie A match.

Marilli told DAZN that the legal consequences are such that a typical 0-3 defeat penalty is no longer automatically applied to such incidents, except in extreme circumstances.

Penalties discussed and the keeper's conduct

He added that there will be a hefty fine on Inter ranging from €10,000 to €50,000, and penalties could include closing the curva or playing behind closed doors. Had Audero been substituted, penalties would have been harsher, but the goalkeeper's professional conduct helped avert the worst.

The incident occurred in the 50th minute at Giovanni Zini Stadium, when Audero was the only player in the penalty area and was struck by a firecracker thrown by Inter supporters.

Football Italia stated that the firecracker came from the Inter-supporting section of traveling fans and exploded with a loud bang next to the goalkeeper.

Marilli said it was natural for the keeper to be shaken, but he managed to finish the match a few minutes after receiving treatment.

He concluded that a small cut and a visible burn mark appeared on Audero's leg at the site of the explosion.

Punchline 1: If football fines paid themselves, Inter would already own a small stadium somewhere in the sky.

Punchline 2: Maybe next time the flare lights will be in the commentator's hands—at least then you'd know when to clap.