The Premier League match between Luton Town and Bournemouth was suspended after Luton’s captain Tom Lockyer collapsed in the middle of the pitch.
In the second half, the player fell on the ground near the centre circle and did not get back up again as the physios rushed into the field to administer the necessary medical actions. Luton Manager Rob Edwards also ran on to the pitch and ushered his players away so that the medics could get on with their jobs.
The player was ultimately stretchered off as both the teams left the field with the fans applauded.
“There’s a break in play as Tom Lockyer seeks medical attention. We are all with you Locks,” Luton Town posted on X.
The club would later confirm that Lockyer had suffered a cardiac arrest but was responsive after he was taken off the stretcher.
“Our medical staff have confirmed that the Hatters captain suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch, but was responsive by the time he was taken off on the stretcher. He received further treatment inside the stadium, for which we once again thank the medical teams from both sides.Tom was transferred to hospital, where we can reassure supporters that he is stable and currently undergoing further tests with his family at his bedside,” Luton said on X.
Earlier this year, Lockyer had also collapsed during Luton’s play-off final win against Coventry at Wembley and had heart surgery in June to address the problem.
The 28-year-old had an atrial fibrillation, a condition the NHS describes as causing “an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate,” according to BBC. Lockyer returned for pre-season training at Luton after receiving the all-clear.
The match in question was 1-1 till the incident with Elijah Adebayo and Dominic Solanke scoring the goals for Luton and Bournemouth respectively.
The Wales international has played 14 matches for the Hatters in the Premier League this year, having represented the club 118 times after signing from Charlton in 2020.
About a week ago, a LaLiga game between Granada and Athletic Bilbao was abandoned following a supporter’s death in the stands and had to be resumed the next day from the time from when it was left off.
The game was initially suspended in the 17th minute as paramedics tried to resuscitate a Granada season ticket holder who had suffered a cardiac arrest and it was eventually abandoned an hour later.
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First published on: 16-12-2023 at 22:12 IST
