Montenegro vs Russia suspended after goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev hit by a flare and carried off less than a minute into qualifier
Akinfeev has been rushed to hospital
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The match between Montenegro and Russia was suspended before play resumed and then was later abandoned after Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was hit by a flare just seconds into the game in Podgorica.
The lit flare was thrown from behind the goal - a place occupied by Montenegro's supporters - during the Group G fixture, and appeared to strike Akinfeev in the back of the head approximately 20 seconds after kick-off, causing him to fall to the floor.
He was then carried off the pitch on a stretcher, as German referee Deniz Aytekin stopped the game and ushered the other players away.
The game did resume after a 30 minute stoppage, only to be abandoned after 67 minutes because the two sets of players began brawling and objects were thrown from the stands - it had been announced when the game first resumed that the game would be abandoned if there was more trouble in the crowd.
Akinfeev has been examined by medics, and is being taken to hospital for further tests, Russian TV has reported, citing a spokesman for the national team.
Tonight's game was the first that Russia and Montenegro have played against each other.
Russia and Montenegro are third and fourth respectively in Group G, both with five points from four games.
The incident comes after a Euro 2016 qualifier match between Serbia and Albania last year was abandoned after a drone carrying a political banner was flown into the stadium.
When a Serbian player attempting to pull down the banner, Albanian players struggled to protect it. In the resulting disorder, Serbian fans attacked Albania players. Both teams were punished over the incident.
Additional reporting from Reuters and AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments