Inter Milan fans handed three-game travel ban after firework hits Emil Audero | OneFootball

Inter supporters have been banned from attending the club’s next three domestic away matches following a flare incident during Sunday’s Serie A fixture against Cremonese.

The sanction was confirmed by the Italian Interior Ministry after a projectile was thrown towards Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero in the second half of the match.

With Inter leading 2-0 at the Stadio Giovanni Zini, a flare landed close to Audero in the 49th minute and appeared to explode on the pitch.

The Indonesia international immediately went to ground as the referee halted play to allow medical staff to assess the situation.

Audero was able to continue and did not suffer any serious injury, with the scoreline unchanged when play resumed.

Despite the absence of lasting physical harm, the authorities deemed the incident serious enough to warrant swift disciplinary action.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Interior Ministry announced a ban on Inter fans travelling to away matches until 23 March 2026.

The ruling also includes a prohibition on the sale of tickets to residents of the Lombardy region for the affected fixtures.

Officials said the measures were introduced to safeguard public order and prevent similar incidents from recurring.

The ban will apply to Inter’s upcoming Serie A away matches against Sassuolo on February 8, Lecce on February 21 and Fiorentina on March 22.

Inter supporters will therefore be absent from the stands for all three fixtures.

The punishment does not extend to European competition, meaning the Champions League play-off second leg against Bodo/Glimt on February 18 is unaffected.

The Milan derby on March 8 will also proceed without restrictions for Inter fans, despite them being listed as the away side at San Siro.

Supporters will be permitted to attend that match as no travel is required.

Italian media reports have stated that the individual responsible for throwing the flare has been identified, with further legal consequences possible.

Inter have also been fined EUR50,000 as part of the disciplinary process.

The incident overshadowed an otherwise routine victory that extended Inter’s strong domestic form.

They currently sit eight points clear at the top of the Serie A table, ahead of second-placed AC Milan, although their rivals have a game in hand.

Cristian Chivu’s side will now be tasked with maintaining momentum during a demanding run of fixtures without the backing of their travelling support.

The absence of away fans is likely to be felt, particularly in matches where atmosphere and pressure can play a decisive role.

Inter will hope the focus quickly returns to matters on the pitch as they continue their push for the title.

The ban serves as a reminder of the strict stance Italian authorities are taking on crowd safety and stadium behaviour.