Koné’s horrific injury in Canada v Qatar leaves players distraught at World Cup | OneFootball

Ismaël Koné suffered a horrific leg injury in the second half of Canada v Qatar at the World Cup, leaving players distraught.

According to Superdeporte, the midfielder collided with Assim Madibo, saw his leg and covered his mouth, while Madibo at first played on before turning back and going into shock.

The challenge came late, and after Koné fell everything pointed to a tibia and fibula fracture. Team-mates initially confronted Madibo before realising there was no malice and offering comfort.

Madibo was first booked then shown a red card, and he left for the dressing room in tears. Koné received treatment as Canada players formed a screen to block TV cameras.

He was carried off on a stretcher to a loud ovation, and he managed to sit up and acknowledge the crowd.

The game resumed and Canada’s rout stretched to six, with Qatar reduced to two men fewer. After the fourth, a fine free-kick, Nathan Saliba held up the number eight shirt bearing Koné’s name.

Jonathan David, who scored the first World Cup hat-trick in Canada’s history, voiced the squad’s anguish, saying Koné means everything to them and is loved in the group. Celtic defender Alistair Johnston described Koné as quiet and utterly passionate about football, adding that seeing such a player felled by what he viewed as an unnecessary challenge was deeply frustrating.

Source: Superdeporte