Cameraman stretchered off after Khusanov collision as Colombia edge Uzbekistan

A pitchside cameraman was left requiring medical assistance after Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov collided with him during Colombia’s 3-1 World Cup Group K victory over Uzbekistan.

The incident occurred in the 34th minute when Khusanov chased down a ball alongside Colombia forward Luis Diaz. Second to arrive, Khusanov’s momentum carried him into the unsuspecting cameraman, who stayed on the ground clutching his leg as medics rushed over. Khusanov was shown a yellow card for the challenge before quickly getting to his feet.

Commentator Jacqui Oatley provided an update during the second half, noting: “In case you’re wondering about the cameraman, he’s disappeared. He must’ve really hurt his ankle.” No official update on the severity of the injury was provided.

The cameraman was not the only casualty of the evening. Co-commentator Warren Barton, the former England international, sustained a cut to his head after being struck by a flying bottle during the match, though he was confirmed to be unharmed.

On the pitch, Colombia took control through Daniel Munoz’s opener in the 40th minute. Uzbekistan levelled through Abbosbek Fayzullaev early in the second half, but Diaz restored Colombia’s advantage just five minutes later. Jaminton Campaz then sealed the three points deep into stoppage time to complete a 3-1 win.

The result sends Colombia to the top of Group K. Earlier in the day, Portugal and DR Congo played out a 1-1 draw, leaving the group tightly contested heading into the next round of fixtures: Portugal face Uzbekistan on June 23, while Colombia meet DR Congo on June 24.