A distraught referee burst into tears at the sight of a Senegal goalkeeper’s double leg break.
Bamlak Tessema, an Ethiopian official, was spotted crying after the horrific injury during Horoya AC’s African Champions League quarterfinal.
Senegal international Khadim Ndiaye suffered a double leg break at Wydad Casablanca on Saturday. And Tessema had to be comforted as the 34-year-old keeper received treatment on the field.
Ndiaye had collided with teammate Boubacar Samassekou, after which he was stretchered off the field and underwent surgery.
A statement from the club read: “The results are reassuring and he will remain at the Cheick Zaidi University hospital where he will continue his recovery.”
Horoya didn’t comment on how long Ndiaye is expected to be out for.
Referee Tessema has been a FIFA official since 2009 and served during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
He began his career in 2003 and took charge of the CECAFA Cup Final in 2010.
Since then, Tessema has been a regular across African international tournaments, taking charge of African Cup of Nation games and World Cup qualifiers.
He is also a medical researcher, clinical coordinator and graduated from Addis Abeba University with a degree in sociology.