The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has issued a severe disciplinary ruling against Inter Milan, banning its fans from attending the team's next three away matches at the San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza) stadium. This punishment stems from the unfortunate incidents that occurred during the Serie A match against Cremonese last Sunday.
Details of the incident and Odero's injury
The 50th minute of the match was marred by a terrifying moment when a firework thrown from the away stands struck Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero. Ironically, Audero is on loan at Cremonese from Inter Milan. The incident left the goalkeeper with minor injuries to his right leg and superficial burns, as well as tinnitus and sharp pain in his right ear due to the nearby explosion.
This reckless behavior caused the match to be stopped for several minutes, as the medical staff rushed to treat the goalkeeper who had fallen to the ground, before he persevered and continued the match despite the obvious injury, in a scene that reflects sportsmanship in contrast to the recklessness of the fans.
The perpetrator will pay a heavy price
In a dramatic turn of events, Italian security authorities arrested the fan involved in throwing the projectile. It emerged that the perpetrator did not escape unscathed, suffering severe injuries that resulted in the loss of three fingers when another firecracker he was carrying exploded as he attempted to light and throw it. Initial investigations revealed that the fan was not a member of the official Curva Nord ultras group, but rather a member of a smaller supporters' club, which promptly disavowed and expelled him.
A history of hooliganism in Italian stadiums
This incident brings to mind a long and complex history of hooliganism and the use of fireworks in Italian stadiums. Perhaps the most notorious of these incidents occurred in the 2005 Champions League quarter-final during the "Derby della Madonnina" between Inter and Milan, when Brazilian goalkeeper Dida was struck by a firework, leading to the match being abandoned and Milan being awarded the victory. The recurrence of such incidents places immense pressure on the Italian Football Federation to impose deterrent penalties that guarantee the safety of both players and fans, and prevent stadiums from becoming scenes of danger instead of places of entertainment.
Impact of the penalty on the league race
Despite Inter Milan's 2-0 victory and their continued lead in the league, this punishment could cast a shadow over the team's title aspirations. Being deprived of their fans for three consecutive away matches means losing the immense moral support that the Nerazzurri supporters provide in hostile stadiums. In the fiercely competitive Serie A, these small details could prove decisive in determining the champion, as the players will have to face their opponents and their fans alone, without the usual backing from the away stands.
