16 December 2023 , 16:50
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Bournemouth vs Luton has been called off after Hatters skipper Tom Lockyer collapsed on the field.
The incident occurred in the 65th minute of play when Lockyer fell to the ground off the ball. Both sets of players quickly called for medical attention with Luton boss Rob Edwards running across the pitch from his dugout.
Lockyer received extensive treatment on the pitch before being stretchered down the tunnel by paramedics. In quotes attributed to a Bournemouth staff doctor, the defender was said to be "alert and responsive" in the tunnel.
However, after discussions with Edwards and his opposite number Andoni Iraola, it was decided there would be no further action with players declining the chance to continue. All players had already retreated to the Vitality Court dressing rooms to allow Lockyer to continue to receive treatment.
Luton have now confirmed Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch before being transferred to hospital with his family joining him at his bedside. The incident will bring back difficult memories after the same player collapsed during the Championship play-off final at Wembley. On that occasion, the 29-year-old was sent to a local hospital as his team-mates reached the Premier League in memorable scenes.
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It was subsequently confirmed that Lockyer had an atrial fibrillation, a condition that can cause an irregular or abnormally fast heart rate. The player confirmed he had underwent surgery on that issue and was given the all clear to continue his footballing career.
The decision to postpone the game was instantly praised, with Neil Lennon telling BBC Radio 5 Live: "There is a morale issue and a human issue to take into account too.
Luton players applaud the fans after the game was abandoned"The players have just seen someone that they are close to going off for an unknown reason. Of course we wish the best for Tom Lockyer and there has to be some common sense at times."
Edwards made his way back onto the pitch to applaud all four sides of the stadium, who chanted Lockyer's name and gave him a standing ovation as he left the field.
Lockyer was making his 15th appearance of the Premier League season against the Cherries, with his side getting off to the perfect start on the south coast, Elijah Adebayo put the visitors in front in the opening exchanges, a lead they held until the second half.
Dominic Solanke scored the equaliser, before the game was prematurely ended in distressing scenes. A statement from the Premier League reads: "The Premier League match between Bournemouth and Luton has been abandoned due to a player medical incident. Our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer and all players involved in today’s match."
Tom Lockyer collapsed in the 65th minute of play (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Luton released their own update on social media, which read: "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.
"We are sorry to all supporters present that players from both sides were in no state of mind to continue with the game after seeing their much-loved team-mate and friend taken off like that, and staff could not carry on with managing the game in such circumstances having had to deal with the situation.
"We thank everyone for the wonderful applause and singing of Locks’ name inside the stadium at such a difficult time.
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"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."