Viewers rocked by sickening scene as horror injury halts game
Canada has been dealt a cruel blow in just their second game at the World Cup after Ismael Kone was stretchered off the field with a sickening injury.
Kone went down in the second half of the host nation’s 6-0 win over Qatar, tripped by Assim Madibo when he was attempting to change direction with the ball.
Canada's Ismael Kone is stretched off after being fouled by Assim Madibo. Emilee Chinn
Kone’s back foot clipped the back of Madibo’s leg on the wrong angle, immediately causing him to hit the ground and clutch at his ankle.
The referee stopped play as a nearby Qatari player called to the bench for a medical professional to come to Kone’s aid quickly.
Kone was in disbelief as he looked down at his leg, which was clearly bowed.
Madibo was teary as Kone was stretchered off the field and later transported to hospital. The referee then showed the Qatari star a red card.
At full-time, Madibo went to Canada’s dressing room to apologise for his actions.
“You could hear the bone snap,” Canadian head coach Jesse Marsch told reporters.
“I knew right away ... so your heart goes out to him.
“I don’t think (Madibo) meant for such a gruesome (tackle). I don’t fault him for that.
“Everybody’s a little shaken by the whole experience because of the nature of the injury and also because Ismael is a big part of the heart of our team.
“It will be a big loss for us. He’s been an amazing player in these last two games.”
Kone, who was given the green whistle after being put on the stretcher, was seen waving at fans as he departed the field, earning a loud applause from the crowd.
It was eventually confirmed that he had broken his tibia and fibula and would require surgery in the coming days.
“Everybody was crushed when it happened, but we had to find a way to stay focused,” Marsch added.
“We knew that Ismael wanted us to finish the job.
Assim Madibo shocked after seeing Ismael Kone's leg. Dale MacMillan
“We’re all thinking about him, but we’re all very proud of what we are. We’re very proud of who we are, and I think that was all on showcase today.”
Canada will return to action for their final match of the group stage on Thursday (AEST) where they will face Switzerland, who currently sit second in the group.
