LUTON’S Premier League game against Bournemouth was abandoned this afternoon after Tom Lockyer suffered a heart attack and collapsed on the pitch.
The match was stopped in the 59th minute as doctors treated Lockyer, who collapsed from the ball.
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Fans and players were concerned after watching the horrific scenes unfoldCredit: Reuters
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Both teams were taken off the fieldCredit: Reuters
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Paramedics quickly treated Lockyer. Credit: Reuters
Luton manager Rob Edwards immediately ran onto the pitch and told the concerned players to make way for the medical team.
Players and staff members from both clubs were clearly distressed as the incident unfolded, and Luton ace Issa Kabore appeared to be praying on the side of the pitch.
Both teams were then sent back to the locker rooms while doctors treated Lockyer.
The Luton captain was then carried off on a stretcher to a standing ovation from both sets of supporters at the Vitality Stadium.
After a long delay, the match was stopped just before 5 p.m.
Luton have since confirmed Lockyer suffered a heart attack – but is now stable.
The club said: “Our medical staff confirmed the Hatters captain had suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch but was responsive by the time he was taken off on a stretcher.
“He received further treatment inside the stadium, for which we once again thank the medical teams on both sides. Tom has been taken to hospital, where we can assure fans he is stable and currently undergoing further tests with his family at his bedside.”
The decision to stop the match rather than continue because “the players on both sides were not in the mood to continue.”
An official statement from Luton said: “We don’t know the full extent of what has 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 incredible.
“We are sorry to all the supporters present that the players on both sides were unable to continue with the game after seeing their beloved team-mate and friend taken away and the staff were unable to continue to manage the game in such circumstances after having to deal with with the situation.
“We thank everyone for the wonderful applause and singing of Locks’ name in the stadium at such a difficult time.
“Now is the time for all our players, staff and fans to come together as we always do and give our love and support to Tom and his family. Our thoughts are with him and all of them.”
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Luton boss Rob Edwards applauded the fans after the match was abandoned Credit: Reuters
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Luton and Bournemouth players also applauded the fans Credit: PA
As fans began to leave the stadium, an emotional Edwards walked onto the field to applaud them.
The football world immediately rallied to show their support for Lockyer, with England legend Gary Lineker tweeting: “Tom Lockyer has been taken off the pitch. Hard to be sure if it’s good news but let’s hope so.”
John Terry wrote: “Praying for Tom Lockyer 💙.”
While Ashley Young commented: “Thoughts and prayers with Tom Lockyer and his family.”
It is currently unclear whether the match will be replayed in its entirety or will resume from the moment it was paused.
Before the medical emergency, Luton held Bournemouth to a 1-1 draw.
Elijah Adebayo stunned the fans when he settled the score in the first three minutes.
But Dominic Solanke struck to equalize after half-time.
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Lockyer previously went down during Luton’s Championship Play-off final clash against Coventry in May.
He received medical attention just 12 minutes into the match and was later taken to hospital, where he underwent further tests.
The defender recently spoke about his terrifying ordeal, telling The Central Club podcast: “I’m spinning backwards, and as I was spinning backwards, my head felt very light like nothing I’ve ever felt before.
“It’s like when you stand up really fast, but worse, and then almost immediately my legs became like jelly and I remember falling backwards and the next thing I know I woke up and there were paramedics around me.
“I remember waking up from a dream, I couldn’t tell you what it was about, but I remember having a dream.
“As soon as I came to, I was like cute again.”
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The match was suspended just before 5pm with the score 1-1 Credit: Getty
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