Copa América scare: Assistant referee faints in the middle of the match

The Copa América match between Peru and Canada took a dark turn when one of the linesmen fainted in the final moments of the first half. The Canadian team was pushing for a final opportunity when the cameras focused on the member of the refereeing team, lying on the field in a state of unconsciousness.

Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau was the first to notice the linesman’s plight and was straight over to assist the official. He called over members of the pitchside medical staff and the required attention was soon administered.

Members of the medical staff from both teams attended to the lineman and he soon regained consciousness, although he appeared very dazed. He had to leave on a stretcher drawing a round of applause from the fans in attendance at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City. Conditions during the first half were sweltering, with the thermometer reading 90 degrees fahrenheit / 32 degrees celcius.

The affected linesman had been stationed on the side where the sun was shining, the likely explanation for his sudden collapse. Throughout the first half the stand directly behind Canada’s goal was practically deserted as supporters moved to get away from the blazing sunlight on that corner of the field.

More on this story as it develops...