Canada vs Qatar STOPPED for horror injury as ITV refuse to show replay and fight breaks out between benches at World Cup

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. READ MORE ON WORLD CUP And, when it quickly became clear that it was a gruesome injury, broadcasters chose not to show replays of the incident. ITV co-commentator Andros Townsend said: “I’m lost for words, to be honest.” Kone, who waved to the crowd as he was stretchered off, was stabilised in the dressing room before being rushed to hospital for further tests. It is a serious blow ahead of Canada’s final group stage clash against Switzerland, who grabbed a 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina hours earlier. Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS 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.” World Cup 2026 - all the info LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED! This year’s World Cup is like no other as a record-breaking 48 nations compete to lift football’s biggest prize. England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought. But footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have other plans in what will likely be their final World Cup appearance. SunSport have got everything you need for the huge tournament LATEST NEWS - ‘Do as I told you’ – Tuchel’s huge row with Pickford - Rice injury concern after midfielder limps off - Hopes of World Cup bank holiday rise after England win - Heartbreaking reason behind Messi’s tears revealed KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. Mohammad Manai scored a comical own goal when he diverted Jacob Shaffelburg’s shot into the net. And David wrapped up his hat-trick in stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations in Vancouver. Qatar will need to beat Bosnia to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.