Marotta condemns ‘extraordinary incident’ after Audero hit by firework

Nerazzurri President Beppe Marotta has strongly condemned the incident that led to opposition goalkeeper Emil Audero being hit by an exploding firework during Inter’s 2-0 win over Cremonese in Serie A on Sunday afternoon. 

Cristian Chivu’s side picked up the three points thanks to first half goals from Lautaro Martinez and Piotr Zielinski, but the game was not without its controversies.

Five minutes into the second half, a firework was thrown onto the pitch from the area of the stands housing the travelling Nerazzurri supporters. The firework narrowly missed Audero, the only player in the penalty area at the time, and exploded with a loud bang right next to him. 

There was a visible cut and burn mark on Audero’s leg where he had been struck by the sparks. 

Fortunately, the 29-year-old was cleared to continue playing after a few minutes of on-pitch treatment. 

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after full-time, Inter President Marotta described the incident as a “stupid gesture.” 

He continued: “A situation that I’ve never experienced across so many years of my career. (It was) a sensational gesture in the name of anti-sportsmanship. I know the authorities are doing their investigations. 

“It might be an isolated incident, we are waiting to hear back from the investigations, but we think the same as all the fans. We have a duty to create a culture and to prevent these situations. We condemn this extraordinary incident. 

“We would also like to thank Audero for his professionalism,because as a result, this game was able to be played until the end.”