By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch as Bournemouth played Luton on Saturday (Action Images via Reuters).
Luton have confirmed that Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest after the Hatters captain was stretchered off during Saturday’s game at Bournemouth.
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.
The 29-year-old was responsive as he was carried off on a stretcher to applause and taken to hospital.
Luton said Lockyer was “stable and currently undergoing further tests”.
“Our medical staff have confirmed that the Hatters captain [Tom Lockyer] suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch, but was responsive by the time he was taken off on the stretcher,” Luton said.
“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.”
In an earlier statement, Luton thanked Bournemouth’s staff and fans, and explained why their team understandably felt they could not continue with the game.
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.