Support The Moscow Times!

Russia Awarded 3-0 Win by UEFA After Violent Montenegro Match

Montenegro's Mirko Vucinic (2nd L), Marko Simic (R) and Elsad Zverotic argue with referee Deniz Aytekin of Germany during their Euro 2016 Group G qualifying soccer match against Russia in Podgorica March 27, 2015. Stevo Vasiljevic / Reuters

Russia has been awarded a 3-0 victory over Montenegro following its Euro 2016 qualifier in Podgorica last month that was abandoned because of crowd trouble, the Union of European Football Associations said Wednesday.

The UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) assessed a number of incidents during the match, which was abandoned after 67 minutes with the score at 0-0, including the setting off of fireworks and objects being thrown onto the pitch.

"The CEDB has decided to declare the above-mentioned match as forfeited," the UEFA said in a statement on its website.

"As a consequence, the Football Association of Montenegro (FSCG) is deemed to have lost the game 3-0."

Montenegro has also been ordered to play its next two home matches behind closed doors and was fined 50,000 euros ($54,070).

"All things considered, the UEFA decision is what we expected and we will not appeal it," Montenegrin Football Association general secretary Momir Djurdjevac was quoted as saying by daily Vijesti.

"In the upcoming period, our priority is to reinstate a good atmosphere on the terraces so that the national team can enjoy the home support they deserve from the true fans.

"The game against Austria will be a real test of our ability to do that, as will all the following home matches in [2018 World Cup] qualifying."

Russia was fined 25,000 euros for the "improper conduct of [its] supporters."

The game was first delayed by 33 minutes when Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev was hit on the head by a flare thrown from the Montenegro section of the ground soon after kickoff.

He had to come off the pitch and was taken to hospital suffering from burns.

Midway through the second half a scuffle ensued between players near the touchline and Russia midfielder Dmitri Kombarov was hit by a missile, prompting the referee to abandon the game.

"The punishment handed down to Montenegro is down to the letter of the law," Vyacheslav Koloskov, honorary president of the Russian Football Union, told the TASS news agency.

"This is exactly how I thought things would pan out. The most important thing is the technical defeat has been awarded. Our side can be happy."

Koloskov also confirmed that Russia would not appeal against the fine it was handed.

"During the current climate, 25,000 euros is a significant amount for the Russian Football Union," he said.

"On the other hand, it is a minimal fine. I don't think anyone from our side will launch a protest."

A 3-0 victory for Russia kept it third in Group G on eight points, five behind leaders Austria. Montenegro stayed fourth on five points.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more