Two Sky Sports Italy interns have reportedly been punished after being caught on live television celebrating a last-minute goal, in a moment that has since gone viral across social media.
The pair, who were working behind the scenes on Sky Sport 24, were filmed erupting with joy and embracing each other after Inter Milan snatched a dramatic victory over Hellas Verona on Sunday evening.
The clip, spotted by an eagle-eyed viewer, quickly spread online, sparking both laughter and debate about professionalism in sports broadcasting.
In the footage, the studio presenter can be seen calmly delivering live updates as the Serie A clash at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi entered stoppage time.
Moments later, a deflected Martin Frese own goal secured Inter a 2–1 win in the 93rd minute — prompting an unguarded reaction from the two interns visible just behind the presenter.
As the ball hit the net, the young employees leapt from their seats, cheering and hugging in clear view of the cameras before awkwardly trying to slip out of shot.
Despite their quick attempt to compose themselves, the moment did not go unnoticed — either by the audience or by their bosses.
😐❌ Sky Sport Italia уволил двоих стажеров, которые в прямом эфире за спиной ведущего отмечали победный гол «Интера» на 93-й минуте pic.twitter.com/CqStY83bQw
— Спортс" (@sportsru) November 4, 2025
According to reports in Italy, Sky Sport Italy director Federico Ferri acted immediately after seeing the footage.
Veteran journalist Francesco Ordine shared the clip on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “The Director of Sky Sport, Federico Ferri, intervened promptly by sending the two ultra interns home and signing a very tough internal circular on the extremely delicate matter.”
Italian outlet Lettera43 later published details of an internal letter allegedly issued by editorial staff to Ferri, condemning the incident and reaffirming the network’s commitment to journalistic neutrality.
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Sky Sports Italy have condemned the interns for their controversial behaviour
|SKY
An extract of the letter reportedly read: “Dear colleagues, today the editorial staff was the protagonist of a scene unworthy of our profession and of the prestige and seriousness that distinguish and should distinguish Sky Sport.
“I say ‘the editorial staff’, meaning all of us, because for the people outside, there aren’t individual perpetrators, but Sky Sport, period.
“And when one of us makes a fool of ourselves, we all make a fool of ourselves.
“Celebrating a goal by any team, whatever it is, in any match, and putting on bar-room or stadium-style antics is always unacceptable, especially if the scene ends up on air.”
The letter went on to urge employees to uphold strict impartiality, reminding them that they are expected to behave as “journalists, not fans.”
While the internal reaction from Sky has been severe, public sentiment online has been more forgiving.
Inter Milan scored a dramatic late winner against Verona on Sunday
|GETTY
Many football supporters expressed sympathy for the interns, arguing that their enthusiasm was simply a reflection of genuine passion for the sport.
One user wrote: “It happens to everyone… we’re fans, there’s passion.”
Another commented: “Come on, if you get close to football it’s because first you’re a fan. During broadcasts you have to try to be impartial, but this was just behind the scenes.”
A third added pointedly: “Is it forbidden to cheer for your own team?”