Assistant referee collapses during Canada vs Peru match in Copa América
- Copa América assistant referee collapses on-field during the first half of Canada vs. Peru match in Kansas City.
- The official was removed on a stretcher before halftime in a frightening scene during the game.
- The incident raised concerns about the health and well-being of referees in high-stress situations.
In a dramatic turn of events during Tuesday's Copa América match between Canada and Peru, assistant referee Humberto Panjoj collapsed on the field due to a medical emergency in scorching temperatures. The incident occurred during stoppage time in the first half of Canada's 1-0 victory over Peru. Panjoj, who collapsed on the non-shaded part of the stadium in Kansas City, was attended to by Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, who quickly signaled for medical assistance. Despite briefly standing up, Panjoj was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher. Following the match, Crepeau emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health of individuals on the field, stressing that player and official well-being should not be compromised. He expressed relief that Panjoj was conscious and receiving medical attention. The match took place in extreme heat, with the heat index exceeding 100 degrees at kickoff, leading to concerns about player welfare. Despite the challenging conditions, Canada secured a historic victory over Peru, with Jonathan David scoring the decisive goal in the 74th minute. The distressing incident involving Panjoj highlighted the impact of soaring temperatures on sports events, with reports indicating that the official suffered from dehydration. The match was temporarily halted as Panjoj received medical assistance, drawing attention to the need for adequate measures to safeguard the health of individuals involved in such conditions. The incident echoed similar concerns raised by Uruguay defender Ronald Aurajo, who recently experienced heat-related issues during a match in Miami, emphasizing the risks posed by extreme heat and dehydration in sports. As Panjoj was applauded by fans while leaving the field, the episode underscored the challenges faced by athletes and officials in high-temperature environments. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of implementing appropriate protocols to address heat-related risks in sports competitions, ensuring the well-being of all participants. Despite the unsettling events, the match concluded with Canada securing a significant victory, marking a milestone in their sporting history against South American opponents.