(Bournemouth) A Premier League match between Bournemouth and Luton was abandoned after Luton’s Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch in the second half, suffering a cardiac arrest.
Both teams left the pitch at the Vitality Stadium as Luton captain Lockyer received treatment for around seven minutes on Saturday.
The 29-year-old was put on a stretcher and later taken to hospital.
PHOTO STEVEN PASTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tom Lockyer left the field on a stretcher.
“Our medical staff confirmed the cardiac arrest and also that Tom was responsive on the stretcher,” Luton wrote on X. “He received further treatment at the stadium, for which we once again thank the medical staff of both teams .
“Tom was taken to hospital. We want to reassure supporters that he is stable and is undergoing further tests, with his family by his side. »
The score was 1-1 and referee Simon Hooper made the decision to abandon the match after 65 minutes of play.
“Our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer and all the players involved in the match,” the Premier League said in a statement.
Luton said players from both clans did not have the spirit to continue playing.
The athletes returned to the field to applaud the spectators who remained and chanted Lockyer’s name. Luton coach Rob Edwards was in tears.
PHOTO STEVEN PASTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Luton manager Rob Edwards
A central defender who also plays for Wales, Lockyer fell while not involved in a sequence of play. Players from both teams called for help and Edwards ran onto the field.
Lockyer also collapsed during Luton’s victory over Coventry in May at Wembley Stadium in the second-tier Championship final.
He underwent heart surgery and was given the green light to return to play six months ago.