The BBC has confirmed that it edited highlights of Canada's World Cup match against Qatar following a serious leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone. The 24-year-old suffered a broken leg after a mistimed challenge from Qatar's Assim Madibo during Canada's 6-0 victory in the early hours of Friday morning.
BBC's Response to the Incident
Original highlights posted on BBC iPlayer reportedly included audio of the moment of the leg break. The broadcaster has since muted the sound on the incident, which does not include any close-up shots or replays. 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.'
Emotional Reactions from Canada's Coach and Teammates
Following the match, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch became emotional during his post-match press conference. 'I haven't spoken to Ismael yet, but he's at the hospital. He will prepare for surgery,' Marsch said. '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 described the incident, which occurred right in front of the bench. '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. Your heart goes out to him and everybody's a little shaken by the whole experience, because of the nature of the injury and also because Ismael is a big part of the heart of our team. It will be a big loss for us, he's been an amazing player in these last two games.'
Marsch also noted Kone's remarkable composure: 'But look, you also saw that he was waving to the crowd and almost making everybody else feel at ease with the fact that he's injured. It's an incredible statement about Ismael as a person, but this is our team.'
Kone's Statement on Social Media
Kone himself released a statement on social media, expressing his faith and gratitude. 'ALLAH has never failed me. Throughout my life, not even once. So why doubt him now? Especially knowing that. 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: 'Your love and support has been felt, honestly thank you so much. You can't even imagine how grateful I am to everyone who reached out and that has me in their prayers. I thank god for that because not everyone is this fortunate.'
Addressing his Canadian teammates, Kone wrote: '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.'
