Copa America 2024: Assistant Referee Collapses on Touchline During Canada vs Peru Game

• An assistant referee collapsed on the field during the first half of Canada's Group A tie with Peru at the Copa America
• Canada's goalkeeper, Maxime Crepeau, was the first to react, drawing the attention of the centre referee and medics
• The match official from Guatemala was replaced on the sideline by Ecuador’s Ricardo Fabian Baren Cordova after halftime

Guatemalan assistant referee Humberto Panjoj appeared to collapse during the Copa America game between Peru and Canada at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City on Tuesday, June 25.

The medical emergency significantly interrupted the Group A fixture, which Canada ultimately won thanks to Jonathan David's 74th-minute strike.

Assistant referee collapses in Canada vs Peru tie

In the fourth minute of added time in the first half, Humberto Panjoj collapsed on the touchline, prompting an immediate response from players and medical staff.

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Eventually, Panjoj was helped to his feet and initially appeared to have recovered while seated in a chair.

However, during the live coverage, he lost consciousness again and required further assistance to prevent a fall.

Due to the deteriorating situation, the broadcast refrained from showing more visuals of the official, who was later carried off the field on a stretcher.

What caused Humberto Panjoj's collapse?

The alarming scene, Panjoj's collapse, unfolded amidst extreme weather conditions, suggesting heat exhaustion as a possible cause.

According to The Athletic, the stadium's temperatures reached 91 degrees Fahrenheit, feeling like 101 degrees Fahrenheit due to 51% humidity at the time.

What is the latest update on Humberto Panjoj?

As of now, there has been no official update on Panjoj's condition.

However, according to a report from Guatemalan broadcaster DSports, he is conscious and has begun to show signs of recovery.

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Hungary's Varga stretchered off after collision

In a related publication, Sports Brief reported that during the Euro 2024 match between Hungary and Scotland on Sunday, June 23, Barnabas Varga had to be stretchered off following a disturbing collision.

Varga went down on the pitch in Stuttgart and was unable to move after challenging for a long cross into the penalty area, where Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn was coming out to gather the ball.

Following an extended pause, medical personnel escorted the 29-year-old off the field, with red sheets covering the stretcher.