On Saturday, the English Premier League match between Bournemouth and Luton Town was suspended after Luton’s 29-year-old captain Tom Lockyer suddenly collapsed without warning near midfield during the 59th minute.
Referee Simon Hooper halted play when he saw Lockyer on the ground, and players from both teams as well as medical staff rushed to his aid.
At the time of suspension, the score was 1-1.
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JUST IN: Premier League match between Bournemouth & Luton Town has been abandoned after Hatters captain Tom Lockyer suddenly collapsed.
The incident happened about an hour into the match.
Lockyer collapsed with *no* contact from another player, first falling on his knees and… pic.twitter.com/Db1W5xYJ9M
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 16, 2023
Pro Soccer Wire revealed the match was abandoned 25 minutes later, and both teams made their way to their respective locker rooms. The crowd reportedly chanted Lockyer’s name while he was down.
Luton Town posted a statement on X stating that Lockyer is responsive but did not specify what caused him to collapse.
They also expressed gratitude for Bournemouth and the medical staff from both sides for their prompt response.
Additionally, they apologized to fans for not being able to continue the match, as well as thanked them for their support of Lockyer and singing his name.
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… pic.twitter.com/pPCuB9ROju
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) December 16, 2023
Lockyer experienced a medical episode during last year’s English Football Championship playoff final between Luton Town and Coventry City, prompting him to be substituted out of the match.
He was subsequently taken to hospital, where he celebrated Luton’s promotion to the Premier League. After being medically cleared, Lockyer returned to playing within days.
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