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Euro 2016 Qualifier Between Montenegro And Russia Abandoned


Soccer match between Montenegro and Russia was abandoned after crowd trouble and a player skirmish.
Soccer match between Montenegro and Russia was abandoned after crowd trouble and a player skirmish.

The Euro 2016 qualifier between Montenegro and Russia was abandoned on March 27 after crowd troubles and a skirmish between players.

The first delay in the Group C game in Podgorica came in the first half when Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was hit in the head by a flare reportedly thrown from the Montenegro supporter section.

At halftime, Montenegro and Russia supporters clashed, forcing riot police to move in to separate them.

In the second half, players from both sides scuffled after what local reports said was another projectile being hurled at another Russian player.

UEFA said it would wait to receive reports from the match delegate and referee before opening disciplinary proceedings.

Montenegro coach Branko Brnovic said his players were distraught and apologized to their stunned Russian visitors.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters

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