The Italian FA prosecutors office has opened an investigation into a banner waved by Denzel Dumfries aimed at Theo Hernandez.
This according to Italian news outlet FCInterNews. The outlet confirm that a fine is likely for the Inter Milan player regarding the derogatory banner.
Yesterday, Inter held their Serie A title celebration parade.
The Nerazzurri rode an open top bus from the San Siro to the Piazza Duomo through the streets of Milan following their match against Torino. Reportedly, over 300,000 fans attended the celebrations.
At one point during the celebrations, Inter wingback Denzel Dumfries held up a banner.
The banner depicted the Dutchman with AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez as a dog on a leash.
This was a bit of banter aimed at the Frenchman, who has a bit of history with Dumfries.
Both Hernandez and Dumfries were sent off in the closing stages of the derby match in which Inter clinched the title with a 2-1 victory over their city rivals.
This is hardly the first incident in which the two have clashed during derby matches.
Inter President Steven Zhang had urged his players to “uphold Inter’s values” and celebrate in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner when they clinched the title.
However, Dumfries could not resist having a go at Hernandez after the events in the derby.
Italian FA Open Investigation Into Dumfries Banner Aimed At Theo
This is not the first time in recent years that an incident of this nature has taken place during a celebratory parade.
Somewhat ironically, a high profile incident involved Hernandez himself.
The Frenchman was one of four Milan players – along with Rade Krunic, Sandro Tonali, and Mike Maignan – who had waved anti-Inter banners during the Rossoneri’s 2021-22 title celebrations.,
And Nicolo Zaniolo had also done so during Roma’s 2022 Europa Conference League parade.
In those cases, the players concerned received fines from the Italian FA.
This was for violating Article 4 of the Code of Sporting Justice in Italy. This is the article that concerns “fairness and sportsmanship” in sport.
And FCIN confirm that Dumfries will almost certainly also pay a fine.
It should be a modest fine, as were those for Hernandez, Krunic, Tonali, Maignan, and Zaniolo.
Dumfries will in all likelihood reach a plea agreement with the FA on the matter.