Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev hit by flare during Euro 2016 qualifier

Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was hit by a flare during Friday's European championship qualifying match against Montenegro, causing play to be suspended.

The flare was thrown from the stands.

#https://vine.co/v/O32uqLYMg6X

Lanciato dalla curva del Montenegro un fumogeno in testa al portiere russo Igor Akinfeev #vergogna #MontenegroRussia pic.twitter.com/WrF25xQPeB
— ARIANNA (@AriannaDaRos) March 27, 2015

According to the Associated Press, Akinfeev was hit about 20 seconds into the game. He was then carried off on a stretcher and the other players were ordered to leave the field. ESPN FC reports that Akinfeev was taken to a local hospital and was seen wearing a neck brace.

Play resumed after about a 35 minute delay, according to ESPN FC.

Akinfeev has been a member of Russia's national team since 2004. The 28-year-old is also a member of CSKA Moscow and was the 2012–13 Russian Premier League Player of the Year.

- Molly Geary