Injured Canadian Midfielder Koné Visited by Qatari Officials After Red-Card Tackle

Ismaël Koné met June 23 in Vancouver with Qatar's Minister of Sports and Youth and the player whose tackle fractured his left leg during Canada's 6-0 World Cup victory over Qatar. The Qatar Football Association posted Instagram photos of the 24-year-old Canadian midfielder hugging Assim Madibo, who received a red card in the 51st minute of the June 18 match at BC Place.

Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani joined Madibo for the visit, along with Canada Soccer Association president Peter Augruso.

Koné underwent surgery the day of the injury and Canada Soccer stated June 19 that he will make a full recovery but is out for the remainder of the tournament. Fabrizio Romano reported that Koné will miss four to five months. On June 24, Koné was wheeled into BC Place in a wheelchair to watch his teammates warm up before Canada's match against Switzerland, and he has also been seen on crutches.

Madibo placed his hands over his head and waved after the tackle from behind. Trainers applied an air cast to Koné's left leg before he was removed on a stretcher; he waved to Vancouver fans chanting his name. Canada's players shoved Qatar opponents immediately after the incident, and manager Jesse Marsch and staff questioned the referee on the broadcast about why the challenge was initially ruled only a foul.

Nathan Saliba celebrated his 64th-minute goal by running to the sideline and holding up Koné's No. 8 jersey. After the match Marsch said, "Ismael is such a great kid, he's imperfect but that is why we love him.

He can do things that no other player can do. " Koné, who plays for Sassuolo in Serie A, has made 41 appearances and scored four goals for Canada. The team tied Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 on June 12 in Toronto before defeating Qatar.