Copa América: Referee collapsed and was off the field during the Canada-Peru match in Kansas City

An official collapsed on the field during the first half of Canada’s Copa América match against Peru on Tuesday afternoon.

Assistant referee Humberto Panjoj went down just before halftime at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, according to The Athletic. Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau reached Panjoj first and rolled him onto his back before frantically waving for help on the field. It is unclear what led to the incident in the first place. It was not shown at this time because the play was taking place on the other side of the field at the time and Fox was not showing the replay.

Medical staff attended to Panjoj on the pitch before finally stretching him.

Although details are still unknown, the region was under a heat advisory Tuesday afternoon. Temperatures reached well over 90 degrees and the heat index had surpassed 100 degrees as the second half began. Due to the heat, many fans had also moved to shaded areas of the stadium as the second half started.

More than half of the venues hosting Copa América matches are taking place outdoors as the United States faces a nationwide heatwave. Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo even revealed he had to leave their win over Panama at half-time due to the heat and dehydration, as he was “a bit dizzy” when he returned to the dressing room before the break.

Canada and Peru were tied 0-0 at halftime on Tuesday afternoon.

This post will be updated soon with more information.