Inter Milan's Serie A encounter with Cremonese was dramatically interrupted on Sunday afternoon after a shocking incident involving a pyrotechnic device. Home goalkeeper Emil Audero was struck by a firework shortly after the second half commenced, leading to a temporary suspension of play.
Match Halted After Dangerous Incident
The alarming event occurred in the 49th minute at Cremonese's Stadio Giovanni Zini. A firecracker exploded near the 29-year-old shot-stopper, producing a loud blast and filling the air with thick white smoke. Audero immediately fell to the ground, visibly distressed by the impact.
Match officials had no choice but to halt proceedings as medical staff rushed onto the pitch to attend to the injured goalkeeper. The projectile appeared to have originated from the section housing Inter Milan's travelling supporters, creating a tense atmosphere in the stadium.
Player Reactions and Aftermath
Inter Milan's players and head coach Cristian Chivu demonstrated immediate concern, rushing to Audero's side and gesturing to supporters to refrain from throwing any further objects onto the playing surface. Despite the frightening experience, Audero sustained only minor injuries - a small cut and burn mark on his leg - and was able to continue playing after receiving treatment.
The match eventually resumed, with Inter Milan securing a 2-0 victory through goals from Lautaro Martinez and Piotr Zielinski. However, the incident overshadowed the sporting contest and raised serious questions about stadium safety protocols.
Severe Consequences for Supporter
Italian media reports on Monday morning revealed startling developments regarding the fan responsible for the dangerous act. According to publications including La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera, the supporter reportedly lost three fingers when attempting to throw a second flare shortly after the initial incident.
The individual was identified after arriving at a Cremona hospital with significant hand injuries. Authorities have reportedly arrested the fan and imposed a stadium ban, with further disciplinary action potentially extending to all Inter Milan supporters being suspended from attending away matches.
Club Sanctions and Wider Implications
Serie A officials are expected to impose substantial penalties following the dangerous breach of security. Inter Milan face the prospect of a significant financial fine at minimum, with further sanctions possible depending on the outcome of investigations into how the fireworks entered the stadium.
Fortunately, no other players sustained injuries during the match. The incident has reignited debates about fan behaviour and safety measures at football grounds across Italy and beyond.
Notable Player Involvement
The match featured former Premier League striker Jamie Vardy, who completed the full ninety minutes for Cremonese following his summer transfer from Leicester City. The English forward found himself in direct competition with former Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji throughout the contest.
Vardy's presence added an international dimension to what became a match remembered more for its disturbing interruption than for any footballing quality displayed on the pitch.
