Breaking news.
Luton captain Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during his team’s Premier League game against Bournemouth and collapsed, but is now “responsive” and being taken to hospital.
The player collapsed midway through the second half, and Lockyer had to receive medical treatment on the field.
After several minutes of being treated, he was eventually stretchered off the pitch, and was applauded by all four sides of the stadium.
Lockyer had collapsed previously during a Play-off final last May against Coventry and had to be taken to hospital. He then received heart surgery and was given the all-clear to resume playing as of last June.
The game was suspended on the 65th minute and was then consequently abandoned.
Once it was confirmed that the game would not be continuing, both sets of teams and managers came out to applaud the fans who remained in the stadium.
The game was 1-1 win it was stopped.
The Premier League said in a statement: “The match between AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town FC has been abandoned due to a player medical incident.
“Our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer and all players involved in today’s match.”
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Luton called for players, staff and supporters “to come together” in support of Lockyer and his family.
“We are sorry to all supporters present that players from both sides were in no state of mind to continue with the game after seeing their much-loved team-mate and friend taken off like that and staff could not carry on with managing the game in such circumstances,” Luton said.
“We thank everyone for the wonderful applause and singing of Locks’ [Lockyers’] name inside the stadium at such a difficult time.”
Bournemouth responded to Luton’s update on Lockyer’s condition, saying: “We’re relieved to hear Tom is responsive.”
The club added: “Our thoughts will continue to be with Tom and his family at this time. We’d like to thank all the medical staff for their quick action as well as everyone inside the stadium for their support and unity during a difficult moment.”
This is developing story and will be updated as news continues to filter through.
