THE Copa América match between Peru and Canada which was being played in hot and humid conditions at Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City on Tuesday, took a dark turn when one of the linesmen fainted nearing the end of the first half.
The Canadians were pushing for a final opportunity when the cameras focused on Guatemala’s Humberto Panjoj, a member of the refereeing team, lying on the field in a state of unconsciousness.
Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, who was the first to notice the linesman’s plight, called over the medical staff.
Members of the medical staff from both teams attended to the lineman and he soon regained consciousness and briefly got back on his feet, although he appeared very dazed.
He had to leave on a stretcher drawing a round of applause from the fans in the Group A showdown, at Children’s Mercy Park, in Kansas City, MO, USA.
The affected linesman had been stationed on the side where the sun was shining, the likely explanation for his sudden collapse. Throughout the first half, the stand directly behind Canada’s goal was practically deserted as supporters moved to get away from the blazing sunlight on that corner of the field.
According to The Athletic, the temperature at the time of the incident was 91 degrees Fahrenheit/32 degrees Celsius, but felt like 101 degrees, with a humidity of 51%.
After the first 45 minutes of the match, it was announced that the linesman was being treated by medical staff. CONMEBOL have yet to make a statement.
The teams were tied at 0-0 at the interval. Argentina led Group A with three points, while both Peru and Chile had a point each. Canada were bottom of the group after losing their opening match.
But, a clean second-half strike from Canadian forward Jonathan David, helped secure a 1-0 victory over 10-man Peru, raising hopes of a top-two finish and a spot in the knockout stages.
The momentum swung in Canada’s favour after the break, as Peru defender Miguel Araujo was sent off following a VAR check for a heavy challenge. Before Lille attacker David coolly slotted home in the 74th minute to cap off a swift counterattack, the Les Rouges held on to seal their first-ever Copa America win and go level with Argentina, who played Chile in New Jersey later on Tuesday.
- Additional report by Reuters, others
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