Tom Lockyer; Bournemouth v Luton abandoned as Lockyer collapses, club confirm player 'remains in hospital'
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ByOli Gent
Updated 17/12/2023 at 18:34 GMT
The Premier League match between Bournemouth and Luton Town was abandoned as the visitors' captain, Tom Lockyer, collapsed on the pitch. The defender was treated immediately and was stretchered off to applause from the Vitality Stadium after the players had been sent in with the game suspended. The match was abandoned 25 minutes later and Luton have since provided updates on his condition.
LUTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 3: The Luton club crest is seen stitched into the fabric of the corner flag during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Burnley FC at Kenilworth Road on October 3, 2023 in Luton, England. (
Image credit: Getty Images
Luton Town have confirmed Tom Lockyer "remains in hospital" following the abandonment of their Premier League clash against Bournemouth after the Hatters captain collapsed in the second half.
The medical emergency happened at the Vitality Stadium after 65 minutes when the centre-back collapsed off the ball, and it was Cherries midfielder Phillip Billing who spotted the defender’s distress, hurriedly gesturing for immediate medical attention.
The game was suspended as both sets of players were taken off as Lockyer was treated, and the Luton defender was stretchered off a few minutes later.
The Bournemouth club doctor confirmed shortly afterwards that Lockyer was “alert and responsive”.
Lockyer, who collapsed during last season’s Championship play-off final, was applauded from all sides of the stadium as he was carried off, and both sides re-emerged for a lap of applause around the ground’s perimeter after confirmation of the game’s abandonment.
Luton released a statement on Saturday night which said: "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.
"We would like to thank everyone for their support, concern and loving messages for Locks."
On Sunday evening, the club released a further update on the player's health, asking for privacy in the situation as the player continues his recovery.
The statement read: "While our captain Tom Lockyer remains in hospital following the cardiac arrest he suffered on the pitch at Bournemouth yesterday, we understand that supporters are concerned for him and that there is widespread media interest in his condition.
"Tom is still undergoing tests and scans, and is awaiting the results before the next steps for his recovery are determined.
"We are unable to provide a running commentary on his situation, and request that all media please wait for any updates to be released via the club’s official channels when the time is right.
"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."
The Premier League produced a statement on Saturday that read: "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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