Luton captain Tom Lockyer in ‘stable condition’ in hospital after suffering cardiac arrest against Bournemouth… with Premier League match abandoned after players decided not to continue
Tom Lockyer is in a ‘stable’ condition in hospital after suffering cardiac arrest on the pitch during the Luton v Bournemouth match.
The game was stopped shortly afterwards, as both players ‘didn’t feel like continuing’.
A minute after Bournemouth equalized in the second half, the Luton captain collapsed in his own half as play continued in the other half.
Luton manager Rob Edwards immediately ran onto the pitch, with both players visibly distressed as paramedics and medical staff from both sides attended to Lockyer on the pitch.
The 29-year-old was ‘responsive’ as he was taken away on a stretcher ten minutes later to applause from across the ground.
WARNING: TERRIBLE IMAGES BELOW
Luton captain Tom Lockyer was treated by medical staff after collapsing in the second half
Luton manager Rob Edwards rushed onto the pitch as Lockyer was receiving treatment
The Bournemouth and Luton players were taken off the field by referee Simon Hooper
A visibly distraught Hatters manager Rob Edwards after the harrowing incident
There was obvious concern among Luton players and staff as Lockyer was treated
After confirming the match was abandoned, both groups of players showed their appreciation to the fans by walking around the Vitality Stadium pitch
Lockyer’s father Steve posted this photo of his family celebrating Luton’s Premier League promotion after his collapse on the Wembley pitch in May
It is the second time this year that Lockyer has collapsed during a match. In May he was taken to hospital during Luton’s final play-off win against Coventry, but following heart surgery he was given the ‘all clear’ to return to action in June.
Lockyer’s father, Steve, posted an Instagram photo that day of his family celebrating Luton’s promotion to the Premier League from his hospital ward.
A statement from Luton confirmed that Lockyer responded and was taken to hospital, adding that players and staff were ‘unable’ to continue the match.
It said: ‘Our medical staff have confirmed that the Hatters captain suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch but responded as he was taken off on a stretcher.
“He received further treatment at the stadium, for which we once again thank the medical teams on both sides.
“Tom was taken to hospital where we can reassure supporters that he is stable and currently undergoing further tests with his family at his bedside.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support, concern and messages of love for Locks.”
An earlier bulletin from the Hatters said: ‘We all hope and pray for our leader and Captain Tom Lockyer, who is responding gratefully and has been taken to hospital.
‘We do not know at this stage the full extent of what has happened and what the next steps are, but we thank Bournemouth and the medical staff on both sides for their immediate response, which was absolutely fantastic.
Medical staff from both clubs and paramedics worked together following Lockyer’s collapse
Both groups of players applauded the crowd after it was confirmed the match had been abandoned
“We apologize to all supporters present that players from both sides were unable to continue with the match after seeing their beloved teammate and friend leave in such a manner, and that staff were unable to continue managing the match. have had to deal with the situation in such circumstances.
‘We thank everyone for the great applause and chanting Locks’ name in the stadium at such a difficult time.
“Now is the time for all our players, staff and supporters to come together as we always do and give our love and support to Tom and his family.
“Our thoughts are with him and all of them.”
Luton manager Rob Edwards looked visibly emotional during the lap around the pitch
Luton said players were ‘not in the mood’ to continue the match after Lockyer’s collapse
A Luton fan on the other side of the Vitality Stadium is caught up in the emotion of the moment
Bournemouth tweeted: ‘We’re relieved to hear Tom’s response. Our thoughts will remain with Tom and his family at this time.
“We would like to thank the entire medical staff for their quick action and everyone in the stadium for their support and unity during a difficult moment.”
Luton’s statement was echoed by a comment from the Premier League following the match’s suspension.
“The Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town FC has been abandoned due to a medical incident involving a player,” read a Premier League statement.
“Our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer and all the players involved in today’s match.”
In May’s Championship play-off final between Luton and Coventry at Wembley Stadium, Lockyer collapsed in the 11th minute of the first half and was taken to hospital.
It was revealed that Lockyer was suffering from atrial fibrillation of the heart, but he was cleared to resume his career after surgery.
After Saturday’s match was officially abandoned, the players from both Luton and Bournemouth returned to the pitch to cheer on the crowd, while Edwards sat on his lap around the ground, almost in tears.
Lockyer collapsed on the Wembley pitch during the Championship play-off final in May
Lockyer, who was taken off the pitch on a stretcher at Wembley, had to undergo heart surgery
After Luton defeated Coventry they held up a Lockyer 4 shirt in honor of their teammate