Tom Lockyer LIVE: Defender ‘suffered cardiac arrest’ during collapse on pitch in Bournemouth vs Luton

Luton centre-back Lockyer suffered a similar incident during the Championship play-off final earlier this year

(REUTERS)

Luton’s Premier League match at Bournemouth was abandoned following a medical incident involving Hatters defender Tom Lockyer.

Lockyer was attended to by paramedics and staff in the second half, when the score was 1-1 with the clock paused at 65 minutes. The defender was removed from the field of play on a stretcher surrounded by the medical team, and there was a standing ovation from the crowd.

After the players were taken off, the Premier League confirmed the match had been abandoned and Luton later stated he had “suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch but was responsive by the time he was taken off on the stretcher” and he was taken to hospital.

Lockyer had previously collapsed on the pitch during last season’s Championship play-off final against Coventry City. It then emerged that the 28-year-old suffered an atrial fibrillation, a condition that can cause an irregular or abnormally fast heart rate but had surgery to fix the issue.

AFC Bournemouth vs Luton Town LIVE: Premier League updates

• Tom Lockyer suffers another collpase during Luton vs Bournemouth
• Match called off after Lockyer’s medical incident
• Luton late confirm that Lockyer suffered a ‘cardiac arrest’ but is now ‘stable in hospital
• The Welsh centre-back endured a similar incident during the Championship play-off final earlier this year
• Will Bournemouth vs Luton have a replay?

[16 December 2023 16:40 · Luke Baker]

Tom Lockyer collapses on pitch again during Luton vs Bournemouth

The Premier League match between Bournemouth and Luton Town was abandoned after Hatters captain Tom Lockyer collapsed in the centre circle, just months after a similar incident involving Lockyer during the Championship play-off final.

Around the hour mark at the Vitality Stadium, the centre-back collapsed onto his knees, then onto his front – with seemingly no contact from an opponent – and was immediately treated by medical staff. Luton boss Rob Edwards also sprinted onto the pitch to support his skipper and usher players away.

Both sets of players left the field and, after several minutes of treatment, the Welsh centre-back was moved on to a stretcher, with a black blanket covering him and was taken down the tunnel as fans chanted his name.

Reporters at the ground were told that the Bournemouth staff doctor confirmed Lockyer was “alert and responsive” in the tunnel after being stretchered off and he was then taken to hospital. After a delay of around 20 minutes where the game was suspended, it was officially abandoned and will be replayed at a later date.

AFC Bournemouth vs Luton Town

Lockyer is being stretchered off by the medical team. There is another round of applause from the Bournemouth and Luton fans.

16 December 2023 16:30

AFC Bournemouth vs Luton Town

The players are now walking off the pitch and are clapped by the supporters. Luton fans are now singing the name of Lockyer.

16 December 2023 16:24

AFC Bournemouth vs Luton Town

There is a hush in the stadium, with the game still paused. Bournemouth and Luton fans share the same concerned look for Lockyer.

16 December 2023 16:21

AFC Bournemouth vs Luton Town

Lockyer is down for Luton and there is a lot of concern from everyone in the ground. Luton manager Edwards is on the pitch and is ushering people away.

16 December 2023 16:19

AFC Bournemouth vs Luton Town

Substitution Andros Darryl Townsend Chiedozie Somkelechukwu Ogbene

16 December 2023 16:16

AFC Bournemouth vs Luton Town

Substitution Elijah Anuoluwapo Oluwaferanmi Oluwatomi Oluwalana Ayomikulehin Adebayo Carlton John Morris

16 December 2023 16:16

AFC Bournemouth vs Luton Town

Goal Dominic Ayodele Solanke-Mitchell

16 December 2023 16:15

AFC Bournemouth vs Luton Town

Christie is positive in possession, with the winger coming inside quickly with the ball before taking a shot with his left foot from the edge of the box. However, he can't get any curl on his effort and it goes well wide.

16 December 2023 16:14

AFC Bournemouth vs Luton Town

Senesi barges into Townsend inside Luton's half, with the winger going to the floor and grabbing the ball. The Bournemouth players and manager Iraola are furious with the decision, but the centre-back used excessive force. They cannot find a way through Luton and are letting their emotions get the better of them.

16 December 2023 16:13