By Victor Kanayo
An ongoing Premier League clash between Luton town and Bournemouth has been suspended after a player, Tom Lockyer, collapsed on the pitch.
Already, his club Luton has confirmed that he suffered a cardiac arrest after he was stretchered off during Saturday’s game at Bournemouth.
However, Lockyer, according to his club is responding and stable after he was taken to a hospital.
Club Statement
The club disclosed this in a statement which partly reads, “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.
“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.”
Speaking further, they said, “He received further treatment inside the stadium, for which we once again thank the medical teams from both sides. We would like to thank everyone for their support, concern and loving messages for Locks.
“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.
“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.”
Slump Scare
Lockyer collapsed in the 58th minute of the match, which was eventually abandoned.
Luton manager Rob Edwards immediately ran onto the pitch at the Vitality Stadium to usher his players away from Lockyer and allow medical staff and paramedics to administer treatment.
Play was suspended as players moved and officials moved to the side of the pitch before heading back to the changing rooms a few minutes later.
Citizens Et All
Also at the Premier League on Saturday, Crystal Palace caged Manchester City 2-2, a result that thwarted the later’s unwanted outcome.
Chelsea this term managed to defeat Sheffield United 2-0, just as Newcastle lashed Fulham 2-0.
