Tom Lockyer: Luton captain suffers cardiac arrest as Bournemouth vs Luton called off
Tom Lockyer collapsed in the 58th minute of Luton's match against Bournemouth; Luton captain was taken to hospital and described as 'alert and responsive' by a Bournemouth staff doctor; the game was later called off with the score at 1-1
Sunday 17 December 2023 18:33, UK
Luton captain Tom Lockyer remained in hospital undergoing tests and scans on Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during Saturday's abandoned match at Bournemouth.
Following Lockyer's collapse at the Vitality Stadium that halted play in the second half of the Premier League contest, the Hatters had confirmed the 29-year-old was "responsive" before being taken to hospital and in a "stable" condition.
An update from the club on Sunday read: "Tom is still undergoing tests and scans, and is awaiting the results before the next steps for his recovery are determined.
"We understand that supporters are concerned for him and that there is widespread media interest in his condition.
"We all want the very best for Tom, his partner Taylor and the whole Lockyer family, and politely ask that his and their privacy is respected at this difficult time."
Lockyer collapsed in the 58th minute of the match, which was eventually abandoned.
Luton manager Rob Edwards immediately ran onto the pitch at the Vitality Stadium to usher his players away from Lockyer and allow medical staff and paramedics to administer treatment.
Play was suspended as players moved and officials moved to the side of the pitch before heading back to the changing rooms a few minutes later.
Lockyer was then stretchered off, surrounded by medical staff. After a stoppage of around 25 minutes, the game was called off by referee Simon Hooper.
The incident will bring back painful memories from May's Championship final, when Lockyer was stretchered off after collapsing on the pitch in the 11th minute.
Lockyer had suffered an atrial fibrillation, but recovered in hospital and underwent surgery. He was given the all clear to continue playing after Luton were promoted to the Premier League.
Following the abandonment, Edwards led his players in a walk around the pitch, applauding both sets of fans.
Moments before Lockyer's collapse, Bournemouth had equalised through Dominic Solanke to make it 1-1. Luton had taken an early lead through Elijah Adebayo.
The Premier League later confirmed the game's abandonment, adding in a statement: "Our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer and all players involved in today's match."
Lockyer, a Wales international, also received support from his country's FA, who posted on social media: "Our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer."
