Every football fan knows that it’s almost impossible to hide your emotions when your team scores a last-minute winner.
But for two Sky Sports interns in Italy, that passion may have cost them their jobs — after their on-air celebration during a live broadcast went viral.
The Goal That Sparked It All
It all unfolded on Sunday evening during Sky Sports Italy’s live coverage of Hellas Verona vs Inter Milan.
As the match entered stoppage time, a dramatic 93rd-minute own goal from Martin Frese handed Inter Milan a thrilling victory.
While the presenter continued his live update from the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, cameras caught something unexpected in the background — two interns leaping from their chairs, hugging each other, and cheering uncontrollably at the goal.
Their spontaneous joy was short-lived, however, as they quickly realized the moment had been captured live on air.
From Celebration to Consequence
Despite their efforts to quietly move out of shot, the clip didn’t go unnoticed.
A fan recorded the moment and shared it online, where it quickly racked up thousands of views.
Within hours, the footage had made its way to Sky Sports Italy’s director Federico Ferri, who reportedly wasn’t amused.
According to Italian journalist Francesco Ordine, Ferri reacted immediately — sending the two interns home and issuing a stern internal memo. In Ordine’s words:
“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.”
Sky’s Internal Message: “We’re Journalists, Not Fans”
Italian outlet Lettera43 later published what appeared to be part of a letter Ferri received from the Sky Sports editorial team.
The memo described the viral scene as “unworthy of our profession,” emphasizing that when one staff member behaves unprofessionally, the entire network’s reputation takes a hit.
It reportedly read:
“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 message called for strict neutrality, reminding all staff to maintain composure and professionalism — no matter which team they personally support.
Fans Push Back Online
While Sky’s management viewed the interns’ actions as a serious breach of conduct, many football fans on social media didn’t see it that way.
One user on X defended the pair, writing, “It happens to everyone… we’re fans, there’s passion!” Another commented, “Come on, if you work in football it’s because you love it first.
You can try to stay impartial on camera, but it’s human to react.”
A third asked simply: “Is it forbidden to cheer for your own team?”
A Lesson in Emotion and Media Discipline
The viral clip has reignited a classic debate — how much emotion should journalists and broadcasters show when covering the sports they love?
For many, the interns’ joy was a relatable human moment; for others, it was a reminder that professionalism must always come first in live television.
Sky Italy has yet to officially comment on the situation.
But one thing’s for sure — in a country where football is almost a religion, staying neutral might be the hardest job of all.