Canada star suffers horror injury in World Cup game vs Qatar as horrified coach screams:
Canada suffered a horrific blow on Thursday when Ismael Kone was forced off the field with a gruesome injury.
The Canadian star was stretchered off 55 minutes into the Group B clash against Qatar in Vancouver after he appeared to break his leg.
Kone immediately went to the ground clutching his left leg in agony following a dangerous challenge from behind by Assim Madibo in the 51st minute.
Canada’s coaches and players were left incensed by the tackle, immediately surrounding Kone, who remained on the ground in pain.
His concerned teammates quickly surrounded him as medical staff rushed onto the field with the stretcher not far behind.
Kone’s close friend Jonathan David in particular looked to be in distress as he watched on in shock.
The injury also sparked immediate fears and fury from the Canadian bench as head coach Jesse Marsch was captured looking incredulous while one of his assistants was caught arguing with the fourth official as he shouted: ‘His leg is hanging off.’
Canada star Ismael Kone suffered a horror injury during the Group B clash against Qatar
His concerned teammates quickly surrounded him as medical staff rushed onto the field
After trainers put an air cast on his left leg, Kone was wheeled off the field on a stretcher, wearing an oxygen mask.
The 24-year-old put on a brave front, however, as he waved to the Vancouver crowd, who chanted his name.
Madibo was shown a red card for the tackle and the Qatari was captured looking devastated for his part in Jone’s injury as he stood with his hands on his head surveying the scene in clear upset.
The sending off left Qatar, who were already down 3-0 at the time, down to nine men after Homam Ahmed’s red card in the first half.
The Canadians extend their lead just minutes later thanks to Nathan Saliba, who was substituted on in Kone’s place.
Saliba scored Canada’s fourth from a free kick in the 64th minute just minutes after the game restarted.
In emotional scenes, the Anderlecht midfielder dedicated his goal to Kone. He ran to the bench where he was handed a ‘KONE 8’ jersey. He then returned to the field and held it up to the crowd, as fans cheered.
The injury will come as a major blow to Canada with Kone emerging as one of the standout players of Marsch’s side.
He was arguably Canada’s best player in their World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina and would have been one of the team’s key men throughout their first World Cup campaign on home soil.
More to follow.