The BBC has confirmed it edited highlights of Canada's 6-0 victory over Qatar in the World Cup after midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a broken leg. The 24-year-old sustained the injury following a mistimed challenge from Assim Madibo during the match in the early hours of Friday morning.
BBC Statement on Edited Highlights
Initial highlights of the match posted on BBC iPlayer reportedly included audio from the moment of the leg break. The broadcaster subsequently removed the sound, as there were no close-up footage or replays of the incident. In a statement to The Sun, a BBC spokesperson said: "We edited the audio on iPlayer from the Canada vs Qatar World Cup game highlights programme due to the sensitivities around the injury to Ismael Kone. We took all the appropriate measures and did not broadcast any replays of the tackle or shots of the player in distress. We wish him a speedy recovery."
Canada Manager Jesse Marsch's Reaction
After the match, Canada manager Jesse Marsch was visibly shaken during his post-match press conference. "I haven't spoken to Ismael yet, but he's at the hospital," he said. "He will prepare for surgery. I'm going to see him after this press conference, we'll see exactly what we decide to do for him. His family is with him at the hospital, his mother's there." Marsch added: "It happened right in front of the bench, we could all hear it. I knew right away, it was similar to when Tajon (Buchanan) got hurt in training, it was right in front of us and everyone could hear the bone snap." He described Kone as "a big part of the heart of our team" and noted the midfielder waved to the crowd as he was taken off, saying: "It's an incredible statement about Ismael as a person."
Kone's Message to Fans
Kone shared a heartfelt message on social media, writing: "ALLAH has never failed me. Throughout my life, not even once. So why doubt him now? He knows and sees everything before it even happened. He has a plan and a vision for all of us. This battle is a test to my faith in him and to my character. And honestly I'm ready for it because ALLAH will never give you a challenge that you can't overcome and being tested is the best of gift from god." He thanked fans for their support and said: "I thank god for that because not everyone is this fortunate. To Canadian brothers, as I turned myself into assistant coach to support you from the sideline. I wanted you to know that I love you guys from the bottom of my heart and our brotherhood is everything to me. What you guys did yesterday will stay with me forever. I'll be back very soon and we'll keep making more memories together."
