Bournemouth vs Luton suspended as Tom Lockyer collapses on pitch

During Saturday’s postponed match against Bournemouth, Luton captain Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch and was treated by paramedics.

The defender collapsed during the second half of the game and was treated by medical personnel who rushed onto the field to his aid. Rob Edwards, the manager of Luton Town, ran onto the pitch and motioned his players away from the incident.

Players were then asked to return to the locker room as medical staff continued to treat Lockyer, who had suffered a cardiac arrest, according to the club. Those attending to the centre-back were eventually forced to stretcher him away. A Bournemouth staff club doctor confirmed to the BBC that the defender was “alert and responsive.”

Following the upsetting scenes, the decision was made to postpone the game, with players reappearing to applaud supporters. Edwards was seen in tears as he thanked his supporters. Sky Sports Soccer Saturday presenter Simon Thomas described the scenes as “distressing” as fans inside the stadium looked on concernedly.

Later in the evening, Luton provided an update on their captain. “We all hope and pray for our leader and captain Tom Lockyer, who is thankfully responsive and has been taken to hospital,” they said on Twitter.

“At this point, we don’t know the full extent of what happened or what the next steps are, but we want to thank Bournemouth and the medical staff on both sides for their incredible quick response.” We apologize to all supporters present for the fact that players from both teams were unable to continue the game after seeing their much-loved teammate and friend taken off in such a manner, and staff were unable to continue managing the game in such circumstances after dealing with the situation.

“We appreciate everyone’s support and singing Locks’ name inside the stadium during this difficult time.” Now is the time for all of our players, staff, and supporters to come together, as we always do, to show Tom and his family our love and support. Our hearts go out to him and his family.”

With a second update, they confirmed his prognosis. “Our medical staff have confirmed that the Hatters captain went into cardiac arrest on the field, but he was responsive by the time he was taken off on the stretcher.”

“He received additional treatment inside the stadium, for which we thank both sides’ medical teams once more.” Tom was taken to the hospital, where we can reassure supporters that he is stable and undergoing additional tests with his family by his side.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support, concern and loving messages for Locks.”

Sky Sports’ Tim Sherwood provided his perspective on the incident while watching the game. He went on to say: “It was a long kick from the keeper and was in the vicinity of Tom so I thought there was contact on his head, then you see him face down and quite rightly the cameras moved away.”

Lockyer previously collapsed during Luton’s Championship play-off final victory over Coventry last season. After being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a condition that causes “an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate,” he received hospital treatment and heart surgery.

Lockyer recovered from the incident during the playoffs to play a role in Luton Town’s inaugural Premier League season. The 29-year-old had previously made 14 Premier League appearances for the Hatters this season.

The 16-time Wales international joined Luton Town from Charlton Athletic in September 2020. He went on to appear in 118 games for the club.

Applause erupted for Lockyer on several occasions at the Vitality Stadium as the defender received treatment. Luton Town and Bournemouth were tied at 1-1 after goals from Elijah Adebayo and Dominic Solanke.