Match of the Day praised for coverage after Tom Lockyer's cardiac arrest

17 December 2023 , 12:03

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Match of the Day covered Tom Lockyer's cardiac arrest on Saturday's show (Image: BBC)

Gary Lineker and his Match of the Day colleagues were applauded for their coverage of the distressing scenes at Bournemouth on Saturday.

Luton captain Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch of the Premier League game, which was abandoned in the 65th minute. The Hatters have since confirmed the 29-year-old defender is "stable and currently undergoing further tests" in hospital.

Lockyer collapsed during the Championship play-off final between Luton and Coventry in May and underwent heart surgery. The Wales international was given the all-clear to return to football in June and has featured in 15 games for Luton this season.

Lineker opened Saturday's edition of Match of the Day with a message of support for Lockyer and Luton. The former England forward described Saturday as a "traumatic day in the Premier League" before explaining what had happened at Bournemouth.

The show then covered the aftermath of the incident before Lineker concluded: "It goes without saying that everyone here at Match of the Day sends their thoughts and best wishes to Tom, his family and anyone connected to Luton Town."

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Several viewers praised Lineker and Match of the Day for their sensitive and professional approach. One wrote on X: "Great job by BBC Sport and Match of the Day, the way they covered the Tom Lockyer situation at the start of the show."

Another viewer wrote on the same platform: "Match of the Day have handled the Tom Lockyer situation perfectly there. Shown what they needed to, relayed what they needed to. Doesn't need anything more obtrusive than that."

Match of the Day's coverage was described by another viewer as "beautifully done" and said the BBC handled the situation "with the utmost respect and decency". The show was also praised for their "careful balance of news and privacy in such a situation".

Lockyer collapsed on the pitch during Luton's game at Bournemouth (Getty Images)

Luton's most recent statement on Lockyer's situation was released on Saturday evening. It 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."

Countless people within football have offered their support to Lockyer and Luton - including Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Bolton against Tottenham in 2012. He wrote on X: "Wishing you a speedy recovery, Tom Lockyer.

"It's great to hear you are responsive and alert. Rest up and God willing you recover well. Thinking of you and your family today."

Tom Blow