Luton Town have announced that team captain Tom Lockyer is “stable and responsive” after suffering a cardiac arrest during their Premier League match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
The Welsh defender collapsed while in action, leading to referee Simon Hooper officially calling off the game while the scores were level at one apiece and players from both teams were taken off the field.
The 29-year-old, who was without the ball, fell down on the hour mark before receiving swift medical care on the field and subsequently being carted off on a stretcher to huge applause from both sets of fans.
Luton released an update on the player on their official X platform (formerly called twitter). The post read: “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.
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.… pic.twitter.com/YCTiHtH5Nx
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) December 16, 2023
The unfortunate incident at the Cherries’ ground marked the second time this year Lockyer has collapsed. The defender previously suffered the same fate in May in the Championship playoff final against Coventry City.
He was taken to the hospital back then before undergoing heart surgery, after which he made his return to action in June.
Bournemouth, the Hatters’ opponent for the day, also released a statement on their social media platforms, thanking the medical staff for the quick response and showing their relief at the news of Lockyer’s reported stability.
The statement read: “We’re relieved to hear Tom is responsive. Our thoughts will continue to be with Tom and his family at this time.
“We’d like to thank all the medical staff for their quick action as well as everyone inside the stadium for their support and unity during a difficult moment.”
We’re relieved to hear Tom is responsive ????
Our thoughts will continue to be with Tom and his family at this time.
We’d like to thank all the medical staff for their quick action as well as everyone inside the stadium for their support and unity during a difficult moment. https://t.co/NHnsP4WgYm
— AFC Bournemouth ???? (@afcbournemouth) December 16, 2023
Anglo-Nigerian forwards Elijah Adebayo and Dominic Solanke were both on the scoresheet for their respective sides before the game was abandoned.
