Canada suffered a horrific blow on Thursday when Ismael Kone was forced off the field with a gruesome injury. The Canadian star was stretchered off 55 minutes into the Group B clash against Qatar in Vancouver after he appeared to break his leg. Kone immediately went to the ground clutching his left leg in agony following a dangerous challenge from behind by Assim Madibo in the 51st minute. Canada's coaches and players were left incensed by the tackle, leading to a fight breaking out on the benches, while Kone remained on the ground in pain. His stunned and concerned teammates quickly surrounded him as medical staff rushed onto the field with the stretcher not far behind. Kone’s close friend Jonathan David in particular looked to be in distress as he watched on in shock. After trainers put an air cast on his left leg, Kone was wheeled off the field on a stretcher, wearing an oxygen mask. The 24-year-old put on a brave front, however, as he waved to the Vancouver crowd, who chanted his name. The injury sparked immediate fears and fury from the Canadian bench as head coach Jesse Marsch was captured looking incredulous when Madibo was initially assessed only a yellow for his reckless challenge. Meanwhile, one of Marsch's assistants was caught arguing with the fourth official as he shouted: 'His leg is hanging off.' Madibo's yellow was later upgraded to a red following a VAR check. The Qatari was captured looking devastated for his part in Kone's injury as he stood with his hands on his head surveying the scene in clear upset. The distraught 29-year-old left the field in the 53rd minute and was seen heading down the tunnel in tears. The sending off left Qatar down to nine men after Homam Ahmed's red card in the first half. Canada was already 3-0 up at the time thanks to an opening strike from Cyle Larin and a brace from David in the first half. The Canadians extend their lead just minutes later thanks to Nathan Saliba, who was substituted on in Kone's place. Saliba scored Canada's fourth from a free kick in the 64th minute just minutes after the game restarted. In emotional scenes, the Anderlecht midfielder dedicated his goal to Kone. He ran to the bench where he was handed a 'KONE 8' jersey. He then returned to the field and held it up to the crowd, as fans cheered. Tensions also ran high after the final whistle with another verbal spat breaking out between players and staff of both sides. Jacob Shaffelburg helped add a fifth, while David rounded off his hattrick with Canada's sixth, sealing the historic 6-0 victory. - @signal.news