A shocking image occurred in the confrontation between the teams of Peru and Canada. As the end of the first half approached, one of the linesmen collapsed on the field. This is referee Humberto Panjoj, who could not withstand the heat in which the duel takes place in Kansas City. The goalkeeper of the North American team, Maxime Crepeau, was the first to notice. The goalkeeper ran from his area to help the referee, while crying out for professional assistance.
As the duel takes place in Wyandotte County, the weather reads 35°. Furthermore, according to what was explained by the reporters on the edge of the field, the Thermal sensation is close to 40 degrees. The Guatemalan whistler was removed on a stretcher. At first he stood up. However, given the obvious signs of dizziness, it was decided to put him to bed again.
The main judge, Mario Escobar, stopped the actions while his colleague was helped. Due to the emergency experienced on the field of play, Panjoj could not continue and in his place the Ecuadorian Ricardo Barén, who served as fifth referee, entered to carry the flag on that side.
After a few minutes of stoppage, the game resumed and the first half ended in a goalless draw. The duel is valid for Group A of the Copa América, the same one where La Roja is located, which at 9 p.m. is measured against Argentina.
