Luton have confirmed that captain Tom Lockyer is in a stable condition and is being contacted after suffering a cardiac arrest on the football field during their Premier League Round 17 away game at Bournemouth. The match was stopped after the Hatters player received medical help in the middle of the second half at the Vitality Stadium.
He was subsequently carried off the field on a stretcher to cheers from the stands, with players from both teams being taken to the dressing room. Shortly afterwards, Chief Justice Simon Hooper made the decision to officially end the meeting.
"We are all hoping and praying for our captain Tom Lockyer who has thankfully been contacted and taken to hospital. We still don't know fully what has happened to him and what the next steps are at this stage. But we would like to thank Bournemouth and the medical staffs of both teams for their immediate response which was amazing. We apologize to the supporters that the players of both teams had no opportunity to continue the match after seeing their much-loved team-mate and friend carried off the pitch in this manner. Thank you to everyone for the wonderful cheers at this very difficult time. Now is the time for all our players, coaches and fans to come together as they always have and give their unreserved support to Tom and his family. Our thoughts are with him and all of them Luton wrote in a statement.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw with Dominic Solanke scoring after the visitors had taken the lead through Elijah Adebayo. Lockyer, 29, collapsed on the pitch and during the Championship play-off final before being taken to hospital. He was subsequently given the green light to return to the field in June following heart surgery.
"We are delighted to know that Tom has been contacted. Our thoughts will continue to be with Tom and his family. We would like to thank the entire medical staff for their swift and timely intervention and everyone at the stadium for their support and unity during the difficult moment", shared from Bournemouth. /BGNES
