Manchester City and Montenegro striker Stevan Jovetic believes the Russia national side were waiting for an excuse to abandon the Euro 2016 qualifier in Podgorica before the referee called it off amid chaos on Friday, according to the Daily Mail.
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The European Championship qualifier was marred by fan trouble from as early as the first minute, as Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was struck on the back of the head with a flare.
That incident saw the match suspended for 35 minutes and Akinfeev taken to hospital.
German referee Deniz Aytekin did eventually call the match off after a second half penalty miss from Russia’s Roman Shirokov saw a mass brawl break out on the pitch, with police struggling to contain supporters.
Montenegro talisman Stevan Jovetic was hopeful that the violent scenes would not result in too harsh a punishment, but thinks the Russia side were looking for any small excuse to abandon the game.
He said, “I have problems finding words after this incident. I just hope the fine won’t be too harsh.
“However, it seems like the Russians waited for the smallest thing to happen so they can tell the referee.”
On the other hand, Montengro’s FA secretary Momir Djurdjevac has branded the fans “barbarians” and said, “These fans sing “Montenegro we love you” but throw flares, insult rivals and cause all sorts of incidents every time they turn up and that’s outright hypocrisy.
“We have left the impression of barbarians and this is a complete disaster. It seems we don’t deserve to have a nation, a soccer team or a berth in a major tournament.
“As far as I am concerned the game should not have continued after the first-minute incident. We can only thank God that no one was seriously hurt.”
Montengro currently sit level with Russia having amassed four points from five games and will face Denmark next on 8th June.