Inter fans have been banned from attending the club’s next three domestic away matches following a flare incident during Sunday’s Serie A match 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.
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With Inter leading 2-0 at the Stadio Giovanni Zini, a flare landed near Audero in the 49th minute and appeared to explode on the pitch.
The Indonesian international immediately found himself on the ground when the referee stopped play to allow medical staff to assess the situation.
Audero was able to continue and suffered no serious injuries, with the score unchanged when play resumed.
Despite the lack of lasting physical harm, authorities deemed the incident serious enough to warrant prompt disciplinary action.
In a press release published on Tuesday, the Ministry of the Interior announced a ban on Inter fans attending away matches until March 23, 2026.
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The decision also includes a ban on the sale of tickets to residents of the Lombardy region for the matches concerned.
Officials said the measures were introduced to safeguard public order and prevent similar incidents from happening again.
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 during the three matches.
The sanction does not extend to European competition, meaning the Champions League play-off second leg against Bodo/Glimt on February 18 is not affected.
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The Milan derby on March 8 will also go ahead without restrictions for Inter fans, despite them being listed as an away team at San Siro.
Supporters will be allowed to attend this match as no travel is required.
Italian media reported that the individual responsible for launching the flare had been identified, which could lead to further legal consequences.
Inter were also fined 50,000 euros as part of the disciplinary proceedings.
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.
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Cristian Chivu’s side will now have the task of maintaining their momentum during a demanding run of matches without the support of their traveling support.
The absence of away supporters risks being felt, particularly during matches where the atmosphere and pressure can play a decisive role.
Inter will hope that attention will quickly return to matters on the pitch as they continue their quest for the title.
This ban recalls the strict stance of the Italian authorities regarding crowd safety and behavior in stadiums.
