"Hero on and off the pitch", "Respect where it's due" - Fans praise Canada goalie Maxime Crepeau for helping linesman in 2024 Copa America clash

Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau was praised after his smart intervention to help assistant referee Humberto Panjoj after he had collapsed in Canada's 2024 Copa America match on Tuesday (June 25). Canada faced Peru in their second Group A match, where a potentially major disaster was narrowly averted.

With the game taking place in the searing heat (100 degrees) of Kansas City at the Children's Mercy Park, the sun shone brightly over the stadium, with only one side in the shadows. Assistant referee Panjoj was the one tasked with patrolling the side that had no shade, and he collapsed in first-half added time.

Maxime Crepeau was the first to notice as his team were about to take a free-kick in the Peruvian half. He sprinted across to the place where Panjoj lay, calling the attention of the centre referee. Play was stopped immediately, and Panjoj received medical attention before being stretchered to the dressing room.

The actions of Crepeau earned him plaudits from fans for his quick response to the plight of Panjoj. The 30-year-old had previously been hailed for his stellar performance in the opening game against Argentina as well. Fans praised him for his actions against Peru on Instagram, reacting to a post from 433.

A fan hailed him as a hero for his intervention.

"Hero inside the field and outside the field...regular Canadian"

Another declared their respect for the experienced goalkeeper.

"Respect where it's due... ❤️"

Another fan hailed him for his performance in the game, as well.

"Was the best player in the whole game too"

A fan blamed CONMEBOL for scheduling the game for during the heat of the day.

"CONMEBOL shouldn't have scheduled a match for 5pm in the Midwest heat"

A fan praised him for his on and off pitch displays.

"Crepeau saving lives and saving Canadas's hopes"

Maxime Crepeau helped his country record a first-ever Copa America win as they showed their quality against Peru.

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Maxime Crepeau keeps clean sheet as Canada claim three points against Peru

Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau was heroic on the day for his country as they claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over 10-man Peru in their second Group A match at Copa America. The CONCACAF side move up to second in their group, behind world champions Argentina, closing in on a place in the knockouts.

Lille striker Jonathan David, who has been linked with Chelsea, scored the only goal of the game in the second half. The strike was his 27th for Canada, taking him to within two of their goalscoring record.

Peru were reduced to 10 men before the goal, as Miguel Araujo was shown a straight red for a dangerous tackle. Canada picked up a first win under Jesse Marsch, with David scoring the first goal of his reign. They next face Chile, who lost 1-0 to Argentina on the same day, on June 29 in Orlando.