Fabrice Muamba sends message to Tom Lockyer 11 years on from own cardiac arrest

17 December 2023 , 13:01

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Fabrice Muamba has sent a message of support to Tom Lockyer after his cardiac arrest (Image: ITV)

Fabrice Muamba has sent a message of support to Tom Lockyer after the Luton Town defender suffered a cardiac arrest in their match against Bournemouth.

Lockyer, 29, was treated on the pitch by paramedics after collapsing during the second-half of Saturday's match. The fixture was subsequently abandoned at 1-1 shortly after Lockyer was taken from the pitch on a stretcher and transported to hospital.

The Hatters have since confirmed that Lockyer is is "stable and currently undergoing further tests". Messages of support have quickly flooded in on social media for the Wales international, who underwent heart surgery in the summer after collapsing during last May's Championship play-off final.

Muamba also suffered a cardiac arrest during his playing career back in 2012 when he was playing for Bolton. He was saved by medical staff after his heart stopped for 78 minutes during an FA Cup tie against Tottenham, and the former midfielder was one of the first people to reach out to Lockyer with a message of support on social media following Saturday's distressing scenes.

Muamba wrote on social media: "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."

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After initially confirming that Lockyer was "alert and responsive" after his collapse, Luton issued an update on the defender's status which confirmed he had suffered a cardiac arrest.

Lockyer was treated by paramedics on the pitch after collapsing during the second-half of Luton's match against Bournemouth (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The statement read in full: "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."

Bournemouth issued a response to the statement addressing Lockyer's status, which read: "We're relieved to hear Tom is responsive."

The club added: "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."

Dan Marsh