A horrifying scene unfolded during Tuesday’s Copa America match between Canada and Peru when the assistant referee suddenly collapsed on the field in scorching heat.
Humberto Panjoy suffered a medical emergency in first-half added time. Canada wins 1-0 Over Peru.
Canada’s Maxime Crepeau assists assistant referee Humberto Panjoy during the Copa America match between Peru at Children’s Mercy Park on June 25, 2024 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Panjoj, who was running through an unshaded part of the stadium in Kansas City, collapsed on the field and appeared to be motionless. Canada goaltender Maxime Crepeau quickly rushed over and sought medical attention.
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Panjoj managed to get to his feet briefly before being carried off the field on a stretcher.
according to Kansas City Star, Crepeau said after the game that he saw the umpire collapse, then quickly turned his attention away from the game to Panjoj’s health.
“Football isn’t important at that point,” he said.
“I was happy he was conscious,” he continued. “I’m thankful to God that he’s OK now, but we have to deal with it.”
Referee Humberto Panjoy is carried off on a stretcher during the Copa America at Children’s Mercy Park on June 25, 2024 in Kansas City. (Carlos Sipan/Eurasia Sports Images/Getty Images)
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According to the report, Crepeau said he did not give his players a hydration break at the 30-minute mark, which is customary in such match conditions, even though temperatures were soaring.
“No matter what people say, the health of the players and officials on the field needs to be taken into consideration.”
The Kansas City Star reported that the heat index was about 100 degrees on Tuesday when the game began at 5 p.m. TSN reported that Panjoj suffered from dehydration.
Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau tries to help Humberto Panjoy after the referee collapsed during a Copa America match on June 25, 2024 in Kansas City. (Carlos Sipan/Eurasia Sports Images/Getty Images)
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Despite difficult conditions, Jonathan David scored a 74th minute goal to help Canada beat Peru and record their first win against a South American team in 24 years.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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