Copa America referee COLLAPSES in frightening scene during Canada-Peru game before being stretchered off with heat index exceeding 100 degrees

A match official in Canada’s Copa America match against Peru has collapsed in what was a frightening scene in Kansas City.

Guatemalan assistant referee Humberto Panjoj had to be removed on a stretcher during extra time in the first half of Tuesday’s match after Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau urgently called emergency services to the referee’s aid.

However, Panjoj reportedly stood up before being placed on the stretcher, which was an encouraging sign.

“The second assistant referee fell to the ground,” ESPN’s Luis Miguel Echegaray wrote on X. “The game stops immediately. It’s extremely hot here in Kansas City. I hope he’s doing well. Attention is now being paid to it.’

Fans at Children’s Mercy Park – home of Sporting Kansas City – applauded as Panjoj was removed on a stretcher. The heat index in Kansas City was over 100 degrees with 51 percent humidity during the first half of Tuesday’s game.

Guatemalan assistant referee Humberto Panjoj is assisted by a medical team during the Copa America

Panjoj was eventually replaced on the sideline as the teams emerged from the tunnel for the second half.