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27th March 2015
08:53pm GMT
Tonight's Euro 2016 qualifying match between Russia and Montenegro was suspended for over half-an-hour tonight after an incident where Russian goalkeeper was hit by a flare after less than two minutes.
Igor Akinfeev was struck by the object in the opening stages of the game in Podgorica City Stadium in Montenegro.
The game was immediately halted and the referee took both sides off the pitch while he was being treated on the pitch.
Following an almost 35 minute delay the game resumed but Akineev was replaced by Yuri Lodgin. There is no word as of yet on his condition but pictures appear to show the unfortunate netminder knocked out by the flare.
Montenegro vs. Russia resumes after Akinfeev hit by a flair. All bets will stand as normal. pic.twitter.com/wf9GZSlbtg
— Coral (@Coral) March 27, 2015
UPDATE:
The game did eventually resume but further crowd trouble in the second half meant the match had to be abandoned amid an almost all out brawl.
Russia were awarded a penalty but was missed by Roman Shirokov. In the moments after the missed spot kick a Russian player tried to take a throw-in but was pelted by various missiles. Players then began to fight each other before the referee decided to call both sides in from the pitch.
