Stevan Jovetic: 'Russia were looking for the smallest excuse'

Manchester City and Montenegro forward Stevan Jovetic has accused Russia of "waiting for the smallest thing to happen" to penalise his team and fans during the two side's Euro 2016 qualifier on Friday evening.

Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was hit by a flare only seconds after kickoff, which left him needing treatment in hospital for 'minor burns'.

The game was eventually abandoned midway through the second half, after Dmitri Kombarov was hit with a missile, sparking crowd trouble and violence between fans.

However, Jovetic believes that the Russians were 'looking for an excuse' to make a complaint to the match officials and is hopeful that his side will not be punished too severely.

"I have problems finding words after this incident. I just hope the fine won't be too harsh," Jovetic told reporters.

"However, it seems like the Russians waited for the smallest thing to happen so they can tell the referee."

Montenegro and Russia are level on points in Group G, with each side taking only five points from their four qualifiers this campaign.