Akinfeev struck by flare as Montenegro-Russia game suspended after 30 seconds

Omnisport

Akinfeev struck by flare as Montenegro-Russia game suspended after 30 seconds image

The Euro 2016 qualifier between Montenegro and Russia was temporarily suspended after an object thrown from the crowd struck goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

Friday's Group G encounter in Podgorica marked the first time that the two nations had met in a competitive fixture.

But referee Deniz Aytekin was forced to call proceedings to a halt inside the first minute as a flare struck Akinfeev.

The object looked to hit the head of the Russia goalkeeper, who immediately dropped to the floor.

Akinfeev was taken off on a stretcher and is feared to have been knocked unconscious as a result of the incident.

The extent of Akinfeev's injuries are unknown, although the game was allowed to resume following the delay of over 30 minutes. 

Substitute Yuri Lodygin took Akinfeev's place in between the posts upon the restart.

The two sides went into the contest level on five points from the first four qualifying games.

Omnisport