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Montenegro v Russia abandoned after crowd trouble, players clash

Referee Deniz Aytekin (2nd L) of Germany talks to Russia's soccer team coach Fabio Capello (L) as they leave the pitch during the Euro 2016 Group G qualifying soccer match between Russia and Montenegro in Podgorica March 27, 2015. REUTERS/Stevo Vasiljevic

PODGORICA (Reuters) - The Euro 2016 Group G qualifier between Montenegro and Russia was abandoned midway through the second half on Friday after crowd trouble and a scuffle between players.

The game was delayed by 35 minutes when Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was hit in the head by a flare soon after kickoff.

Midway through the second half a scuffle ensued between players by the touchline, with Eastern Europe's Sport Klub television saying a missile hurled from the terraces appeared to hit another Russian player.

The score was 0-0 at the time and German referee Deniz Aytekin ordered the players back into the dressing room for the second time moments after Montenegro keeper Vukasin Poleksic saved a Roman Shirokov penalty.

(editing by Justin Palmer)