A game official in Canada’s Copa America win over Peru collapsed in a frightening scene in Kansas City on Tuesday evening.
Guatemalan assistant referee Humberto Panjoj had to be removed from the field on a stretcher during added time in the first half soon after Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau urgently called for EMTs to rush to the official’s aid.
Panjoj, however, reportedly stood to his feet soon after worrying players and fans at Children’s Mercy Park – home of the MLS‘ Sporting Kansas City. He was then placed on the stretcher.
‘Second assistant referee fell to the ground,’ ESPN’s Luis Miguel Echegaray wrote on X. ‘Game immediately stops. It’s extremely hot here in Kansas City. Hoping he’s okay. Being attended to right now.’
Panjoj was given a round of applause by fans while leaving the field. The heat index in Kansas City was over 100 degrees with 51 percent humidity during the first half of Tuesday’s game.
Maxime Crepeau of Canada calls for medical assistance during the CONMEBOL Copa America
Guatemalan assistant referee Humberto Panjoj is aided by medical team during Copa America
Fans applauded Panjoj while he was being stretched off in added time of the first half on Tues.
Earlier this week, Uruguay’s Ronald Aurajo said he suffered the effects of dehydration in Miami
Panjoj was eventually replaced on the sideline when the teams emerged out of the tunnel for the second half.
Earlier this week, Uruguay defender Ronald Aurajo revealed he was substituted in La Celeste’s 3-1 win against Panama due to feeling the effects of heat and dehydration in Miami, Florida.
The 25-year-old could only play the opening 45 minutes of Uruguay’s first match at the Copa America.
‘The truth is I’m still a bit dizzy now,’ the Barcelona defender said postgame. ‘My (blood) pressure went down. When the first half finished I was a bit dizzy and when I reached the dressing room my pressure went down.
‘The doctor said it was a bit of dehydration and I couldn’t continue for the second half.’
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