Russian goalkeeper struck by flare during game against Montenegro

Omnisport

Russian goalkeeper struck by flare during game against Montenegro image

The Euro 2016 qualifier between Montenegro and Russia was temporarily suspended after a flare struck goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

Referee Deniz Aytekin was forced to stop the match inside the first minute once the flare struck Akinfeev.

The object appeared to hit Russia's goalkeeper in the head, immediately dropping him to the ground. Akinfeev was taken off on a stretcher. He was reportedly knocked unconscious.

The extent of Akinfeev's injuries are unknown, although the game resumed following a 30-plus minute delay. Substitute Yuri Lodygin took Akinfeev's place in between the posts.

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

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

Omnisport