The start of the Copa America has captured the attention of the entire world. Great matches and emotions have resonated with all the fans; however, there has also been a terrible moment of tension added to these, in which the Guatemalan referee, Humberto Panjoj, fainted during the game between Peru vs. Canada in the second round of the competition.
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It was exactly at minute 48 of the match when, after a free kick, Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau was caught on camera running to the center of the field to assist the referee, who suddenly collapsed on the grass possibly due to heat stroke from the high temperatures at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City.
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It is important to mention that immediately, the medical staff ran to the place where the referee was lying to assist him. Meanwhile, the players on the field showed concern and uncertainty, which dissipated minutes later when Panjoj managed to stand up and walk towards the benches.
Immediately, Escobar, who serves as the central referee, ended the first half in order to give his teammate a break in the locker rooms. It is worth noting that at the time of this match, the city of Kansas is experiencing temperatures exceeding 37 degrees, which explains his collapse on the field.
On social media, many journalists and media outlets have expressed their concern about the terrible event because it is something that could have also happened to a player or fan present at the venue. In the latest update regarding the case, it was made clear that the referee regained consciousness and is out of danger.