FORMER Watford star Ismael Kone suffered a horror leg injury during Canada’s thumping win over Qatar – leading to the showdown being brought to a halt and ITV refusing to show replays.
The World Cup co-hosts notched a 6-0 victory to put themselves within touching distance of confirming their place in the knockout stages.
But the Group B clash was overshadowed when Kone, 24, went down with a serious problem following a dangerous challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo.
The midfielder’s team-mates and opponents were visibly upset when they realised the severity of the issue.
Medics rushed on to the pitch to help the Sassuolo man, while Madibo was shown a red card for the X-rated tackle and left in tears.
Canada chief Jesse Marsch and Kone’s team-mates were furious with the challenge, leading to a fight breaking out on the benches before another scuffle at the final whistle.
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But Marsch’s side made history by wrapping up their first-ever World Cup triumph.
Southampton striker Cyle Larin put Canada on course for victory from close range.
And two Jonathan David efforts, either side of a Homam El Amin dismissal, put daylight between the two sides.
But Kone’s injury led to a long break in play, while Qatar were reduced to NINE MEN as Madibo was sent off.
Nathan Saliba, who replaced his stricken team-mate, added his name to the scoresheet with a stunning free-kick.
And the Anderlecht man celebrated by holding Kone’s shirt aloft in a touching tribute.
After the match, Madibo went into the Canada dressing room to apologise to the 24-year-old, who reportedly suffered a fractured fibula and tibia.
Kone was later taken to hospital, where he waited for surgery and received support from his mother, Suzanne.
Canada boss Marsch later admitted that he could “could hear the bone snap” when the horrific incident took place.
He also said: “Ismael is such a great kid.
“He’s so imperfect but that’s why you love him. He can do great things and the next moment he loses concentration. He embodies a lot of what the team is. It’s a huge loss for us.
“He’ll be fine, we’ll get him good doctors. He’s got a big future and he’s a big part of everything we’ll do.”
