Violence erupted at the Russia-Czech Republic game last night when a handful of stewards were attacked by large group of apparently Russian fans in a walkway inside the 40,000-capacity ground.

A goalless draw between the Czech Republic and Peru in a friendly wouldn’t usually attract too much attention, but the Kirin Cup game in Nagano, Japan, last year marks a significant date in Czech football history: the first time the national side had been represented by a black player — Theodor Gebre Selassie.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech and Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky were included in the Czech Republic squad for next week’s friendly against Ireland.

A late header from Tomas Sivok saw the Czech Republic put one foot in the Euro 2012 finals with victory over Montenegro in the first leg of their qualifying play-off.