A Premier League match between Luton Town and AFC Bournemouth was suspended Saturday after Luton center back Tom Lockyer went into cardiac arrest during the game.
Lockyer collapsed on the pitch in the second half and received immediate medical attention from team paramedics at Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth. Lockyer was stretchered off the field and transferred to a hospital; Luton Town later confirmed that the 29-year-old defender suffered a cardiac arrest but was “thankfully responsive” and in stable condition.
The match, tied 1—1 at the time of the Lockyer’s sudden collapse, was suspended.
Luton issued the following statement on X:
“We all hope and pray for our leader and captain Tom Lockyer, who is thankfully responsive and has been taken to hospital. We don’t know the full extent of what happened and what the next steps are at this stage, but we thank Bournemouth and the medical staff on both sides for their immediate response, which was absolutely amazing.”
The team added, “We thank everyone for the wonderful applause and singing of Locks’ name inside the stadium at such a difficult time. Now is the time for all of our players, staff and supporters to come together as we always do and give our love and support to Tom and his family. Our thoughts are with him and them all.”
Lockyer, the Hatters’ captain, suffered a similar scary incident during last season’s Championship playoff final victory over Coventry City in May. Lockyer was diagnosed with an atrial fibrillation, which required surgery. Following the operation, the defender received medical clearance to return to the pitch in the preseason.
Luton Town was promoted to the Premier League for the 2023-24 season after beating Coventry on penalties and currently sit in 18th place in the EPL table.
