By Graham Thomas
Tom Lockyer remains in hospital where he is undergoing tests and scans after suffering a cardiac arrest during Luton Town’s abandoned Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
Luton Town were drawing 1-1 at the Vitality Stadium when the Wales international defender collapsed in the middle of the field – just seven months after a similar incident in last season’s Championship Play-off Final.
Lockyer had surgery to correct an irregular heartbeat in June.
Paramedics and staff, including Luton manager Rob Edwards, immediately sprinted to Lockyer’s aid when he went down near midfield in the second half of the encounter.
Players left the pitch as the Cardiff-born was being treated, but returned to applaud the crowd after the Premier League announced the match had been abandoned.
A club statement on Sunday afternoon confirmed: “While our captain Tom Lockyer remains in hospital following the cardiac arrest he suffered on the pitch at Bournemouth yesterday, we understand that supporters are concerned for him and that there is widespread media interest in his condition.
“Tom is still undergoing tests and scans, and is awaiting the results before the next steps for his recovery are determined.
While our captain Tom Lockyer remains in hospital following the cardiac arrest he suffered on the pitch at Bournemouth yesterday, we understand that supporters are concerned for him and that there is widespread media interest in his condition.
Tom is still undergoing tests and… pic.twitter.com/yDTRzmEIVk
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) December 17, 2023
“We are unable to provide a running commentary on his situation, and request that all media please wait for any updates to be released via the club’s official channels when the time is right.
“We all want the very best for Tom, his partner Taylor and the whole Lockyer family, and politely ask that his and their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”
As happened at Wembley, Lockyer collapsed away from the ball before medical staff rushed onto the field.
Luton players and manager Rob Edwards looked tearful on the touchline and some knelt and prayed while Lockyer was treated.
The players went into the dressing room as Lockyer – who had an oxygen mask fitted across his face – continued to be treated.
Half an hour later the game was officially abandoned, before Luton confirmed their captain was “responsive” in the first of two updates on his condition.
Luton and Bournemouth fans both chanted Lockyer’s name when he was eventually carried from an empty field, and his teammates later returned to applaud their supporters.
We need more like Rob Edwards.
He seems to genuinely care in a sport much maligned for not putting the person 1st. Take care of your own & the rest will follow.
Best wishes Tom Lockyer 💪❤️pic.twitter.com/oxZ4hAC7Ki
— Louis Langdown (@loulangdown) December 17, 2023
A statement from Bournemouth said: “We’re relieved to hear Tom is responsive. 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.”
The incident comes just six months after Lockyer underwent heart surgery following his Wembley collapse.
At the time, the Cardiff-born player said he had been given assurances from doctors that he was safe to resume his career.
He returned to the Luton team in August and said at the time, “I’ve had the operation to fix it and it shouldn’t happen again.
“There’s not really any reason to say why that happened. I’ve been given the all-clear – it is what it is and I just want to draw a line under it now and move on.
“I’ve had my full heart checked and double checked with all the scans and tests they can do on a heart, and they’ve all come back positive.”
After the incident on Saturday, Lockyer was responsive in the tunnel at Dean Court, before immediately being transferred to hospital.
An initial club statement looked to reassure supporters that he was in a stable condition, with his family at his bedside.
An update on Tom Lockyer from our friends at @LutonTown.
Diolch to the medical staff for their quick response and treatment.
Our thoughts are with Tom and his family ❤️ https://t.co/CcK5Pxz76o
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) December 16, 2023
Lockyer, who had made 15 appearances so far in all competitions before Saturday’s match, has been sent countless get well messages – including some from BBC TV presenter and near-neighbour Jason Mohammad.
Final Score presenter Mohammad lives in the same part of Cardiff, the suburb of Radyr, as where the Hatters skipper grew up.
Mohammad sent his best wishes to the Wales international defender during the programme on Saturday night, saying: “Tom grew up a couple of streets from where I now live.
“I know his dad really well. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Tom’s also a very popular member of the Wales squad. We are thinking of you, Tom.”
Gary Lineker and his Match of the Day colleagues were applauded for their coverage of the distressing scenes, after opening Saturday night’s show with a message of support for Lockyer and Luton.
Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Bolton against Tottenham in 2012, after hearing that Lockyer was responsive on Saturday night, 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.”
