^ ^ World Cup star suffers horror injury during Canada vs Qatar: ‘Everyone could hear the bone snap’

Ismael Kone suffered a broken leg during Canada’s win against Qatar (Getty)

Canada midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a broken leg during Canada’s 6-0 win over Qatar following a challenge from Assim Madibo.

The tackle occurred in the 52nd minute of the Group B match in Vancouver as Madibo caught the back of Kone’s left leg with his foot.

Broadcasters did not show a closer replay of the challenge but microphones positioned near the pitch caught a player shouting, ‘his leg is hanging off’.

Both sets of players formed a protective barrier around Kone as medical staff raced in to help the Canada midfielder, who was able to sit up and wave to the crowd as he was taken off the pitch on a stretcher.

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Madibo was given a red card for the challenge, reducing Qatar to nine players following Homam Ahmed’s dismissal in the first half.

Medical staff raced in to help Ismael Kone (Reuters)

‘It happened right in front of the bench. We could all hear it. I knew right away,’ Marsch said.

‘It was right in front of us, and everyone could hear the bone snap.

‘Your heart goes out to [Kone], and everybody’s a little shaken by the whole experience, because of the nature of the injury, and also because Ismael is a big part of the heart of our team.

‘It will be a big loss for us. He’s been an amazing player these last two games.’

Ismael Kone waved to the crowd as he left the pitch on a stretcher (Getty)

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch embraced Ismael Kone as he left the pitch (The Canadian Press via AP)

Canada striker Jonathan David, who scored a hat-trick against Qatar, questioned the need for Madibo’s tackle on Kone.

‘If there’s a play where you cannot win the ball, there’s no point. It’s just to hurt people,’ David said.

Canada’s players were furious with Assim Madibo after his challenge (Reuters)

‘I saw his leg, I saw that something wasn’t right, and I just wanted for the medical staff to get in as quick as possible,’ said Canada midfielder Stephen Eustaquio, who was one of the closest players to Kone when the challenge was made.

‘They tried to defend their players, and we tried to defend ours. I think it’s normal, they still want to go far in this competition, but at the same time it’s a clear red. Like, there’s no debate in that he basically broke his leg. They want a yellow, but for me it makes no sense.’

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