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Belgrade -The person who hurled a flare at Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev during a Euro qualifier in Montenegro has been identified and faces criminal charges, police said Sunday in Podgorica.
The 25-year-old man turned himself in Saturday and will be charged under the law against hooliganism at sport events, the police directorate website said.
The resident of Podgorica is suspected of throwing a flare that struck Akinfeev in the head in the first minute of the match, causing a 34-minute interruption.
According to local media, the suspect confessed and apologized.
The match was abandoned in the 67th minute with the score 0-0, after another Russian player, midfielder Dmitri Kombarov, was hit by an object thrown from the stands.
Montenegro could face harsh sanctions from the ruling body UEFA, and Russia expect to be declared winners by forfeit. UEFA said Saturday it was waiting "to receive reports from the delegate and referee to open disciplinary proceedings."
WATCH: Igor Akinfeev struck by flare
